The first edition of #malteen – a new arts event focusing on teens – is currently underway at St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity

From music concerts to dance installations, from theatre productions and scriptwriting workshops to human board games and abseiling and other challenges, the event celebrates teenagers’ creativity and need for expression.

We want #malteen to be about their teenagers and how we can encourage creativity in all its forms

#malteen aims to immerse teens in art at an age when their life is often full of distractions and when they are beginning to develop their own adult identities.

“We want #malteen to be about teenagers, their dreams, aspirations and how we can encourage and enhance creativity in all its forms,” says #malteen project manager Maria Spiteri Zahra. “That is why we have focused on the things that they are passionate about and that best allow them to express their creativity.”

Teens often wear masks, says Jamie Cardona, a child actor known for his roles in plays such as the recent Il-Kappillan ta’ Malta. Cardona was one of the teenagers who contributed ideas to the programme.

#malteen is being organised for the first time by the Foundation for National Celebrations, Aġenzija Żgħażagħ and St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity.