Focus on Australian culture

The Maltese-Australian Chamber of Commerce and Culture's second Cultural Week will be held at St James Cavalier's Centre for Creativity, in Valletta and other venues from January 23 to 29.

The second Cultural Week focuses on Australia Day (January 26) and celebrates connections between Australia and Malta in different areas.

At St James there will be an art exhibition entitled Spiritland which features the latest works by the well-known Maltese-Australian artist Maree Azzopardi - who will be in Malta during the week to promote exchanges with Maltese artists.

At the Museum of Fine Arts in South street, Valletta, Dorothy Erickson will exhibit her exquisitely designed jewellery.

Throughout the week there will be a festival of award-winning Australian films, including The Dish, The Castle and a film by Baz Luhrmann (of Moulin Rouge fame) of an Australian Opera production of La Bohème.

A tasting of Australian wine will be held on January 24 at St James and on January 27 at the Cornucopia Hotel, Xaghra. The second event will be followed by a typical Australian dinner. On January 28 there will be a special Australian dinner at the Westin Dragonara Hotel.

On the morning of January 29, the St James Cavalier Kids Club will enjoy a Slice of Australia, with activities involving aboriginal stories and painting.

For further information call Julian Holland on 2134 2581 or 7920 8640.