Imagine lying down under a canopy of vibrantly-coloured animals, geckos, hedgehogs, crabs, fish and birds.

A group of participants, from Inspire – Foundation for Inclusion, were recently taken on a journey of exploration to the habitats of creatures at Kennedy Grove, St Paul’s Bay.

They were accompanied by biologist and artist Liliana Fleri Soler who shared her knowledge of the different habitats and unique plants and animals on the Maltese islands.

The participants learned about the beauty of the country’s biodiversity and its different ecosystems: rock pools, garigue and coastal landscapes.

Back at Inspire headquarters, they set to work with Ms Fleri Soler and artist Gabrielle Agius from Creativity for Life, to shape and paint the topsy-turvy installations entitled Ekologija.

“This was done in a practical way during our outing at Kennedy Grove which facilitated learning through the different human senses,” Inspire tutor Michael Galea said.

During the activities, participants were taught about what needed to be done beforehand in a very structured and reasonable manner.

“Those in the group were given the space to express their own artistic and creative thoughts,” he explained.

Inspire tutor Naya Markomichali sounded enthusiastic and is already looking forward to the next events.

“We will be participating in the Science in the City event where such efforts will be exhibited,” she said.

“It has been a pleasure to work with the participants from Inspire. It was an enriching experience for us and our summer school students at Creativity for Life who also helped creating the ecosystems. We hope that visitors to Science in the City will take the time to lie down on the provided cushions and enter the ‘worlds’ within our environment and enjoy the experience of our ‘Up-side down Ecosystems’.”

This Creative Communities project, funded by the Malta Arts Council and the Malta Chamber of Scientists, is a first attempt to reach out to particular communities of the society, to share the importance of using creativity, science and the arts to be able to lead a fuller life today.  

Visitors can view Ekoloġija during Science in the City in Valletta tomorrow between 6pm and midnight.

The theme will be Science is Culture, marking the European Year of Cultural Heritage and Valletta’s European Capital of Culture. The art installation will be exhibited at St John’s Street, corner with Republic Street.