Twenty of Malta's finest artists have joined an initiative to stage an exhibition which will focus on what has so often been called the heart of Malta, namely The Three Cities.

Few countries in the world can boast of a natural harbour as impressive as that of Malta's Grand Harbour. Even fewer locations in the world have as much living history condensed into a small area as that belonging to the Three Cities.

This collective exhibition has been entitled Eve of a Renaissance to support the growing call for the preservation and enhancement of the beauty of the Three Cities.

Within any society, the creative vision of artists is a powerful tool for increasing awareness and with this objective in mind the participating artists chose to produce works highlighting aspects of the area which caught their individual attention. The exercise has proven to be very rewarding as Andrew Diacono, Tonio Mallia, John Martin Borg, C. S. Lawrence, Winston Hassall, Joan Zammit Cutajar, James Vella Clark, Kenneth Zammit Tabona, Justine Meli Bugeja, John Busuttil Leaver, Rupert Cefai, Maris Zammit, Jacqueline Agius, Henry Alamango, Matthew Cassar, Arlette Zammit, Jennifer Lonfat and photographers Sergio Muscat and Alison Fenech who have produced works in watercolour, acrylics, photography and even sculptures that are as varied as they are rich in inspiration.

The Three Cities, Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea, are a veritable treasure trove of unique features which the 19 participating artists and photographers have been focusing on over the last few months. From the Cities' quaint winding lanes to the imposing architecture of their houses of character, churches and bastions, the artists have been spoilt for choice of scenic views to paint and photograph.

The ancient streetscapes have recently been enhanced by the development of the Vittoriosa Marina whose mix of yachts and colourful traditional boats moored along the Senglea waterfront, makes it a seascape that begs for the artists' attention. In addition to the landscapes, the artists have found a rich source of inspiration in the vibrant festas which the Three Cities take great pride in holding. Perhaps the most engagingly colourful event in the calendar of each city is the Easter procession which will coincide with the dates of this exhibition.

Eve of A Renaissance is being held at the Malta Maritime Museum on the Vittoriosa Marina up to April 12.

This initiative is supported by S&D Yachts, Busy Bee, MonteKristo winery and Heritage Malta. The participating artists have all making a contribution from the sale of their works to Flimkien għal Ambient Aħjar.