Art and creativity have become increasingly popular among the Maltese, also thanks to social media, but some artists still strive to attract a wide audience and infrastructural support is lacking.

Inka.

Eight Maltese and international artists participating in the second edition of the Creative Circuit, taking place in Valletta today, are fully aware of the state of affairs.

“The overall quality of art, as well as galleries on the island, has really improved, which must be encouraging for the public,” painter Ġulja Holland, one of the exhibiting artists, says.

“Today, more people are also interested in purchasing art for investment reasons rather than simply for the sake of decorating wall space,” she adds, remarking that this helps artists charge more sustainable prices.

Italian photographer Elsa Allen, who is currently based in Malta, thinks it is an exciting time because the island is investing more in creative ventures and the audience is becoming “more reactive” towards the arts.

“A great energy is expanding year after year, creating a fast and growing movement around art, photo-graphy and creative events,” she points out.

Ramla l-Ħamra by Ġulja Holland

However, digital artist Sergio Muscat believes the Maltese still have very little exposure to contemporary creative practices, with many decisions regarding art gravitating towards the established and proven, rather than innovative works.

“This is an educational issue and, possibly, a cultural one too. There are few patrons who are willing to invest and support the more avant-garde generation,” he claims.

Contemporary jewellers also face a tough time. Italians Gioia Clavenzani and Ivano Ghinelli, who are behind JAD – Jewellery Art Design, can attest to this.

“If an artist really wants to make contemporary jewellery his profession, one has to comply with the idea that part of it has to attract a wider public, so one has to balance the ‘wearability’ with the artistic aspect,” they say. Still, they admit that settling in Malta four years ago has given them the opportunity to widen their artistic work beyond jewellery.

Sergio Muscat

The participating artists laud initiatives, such as the Creative Circuit, that help promote independent work that is not primarily commercial and which bring together creatives with diverse backgrounds, thus encouraging a community spirit. All, in fact, agree that collaboration has a positive impact on creativity.

“It definitely pushed me to evaluate where my work is going and to experience a bit of teamwork in what is mostly a lonely vocation,” Inigo Taylor, a photographer from the UK, says.

Margerita Pulè believes collaboration “can be an energy generator” and Italian Robbie Mazzaro, of RO Art Ceramics, comments: “Comparing points of view and discussing ideas is important to stimulate creativity.”

Daphne Bugeja, the founder of Inka., is equally enthusiastic about working with fellow artists. “Although one must strive to keep one’s uniqueness, a different perspective may give artists inspiration and often leads to unexpected contributions that would never happen otherwise. It’s a more personal way to communicate and build camaraderie and trust,” she notes.

Ro Art Ceramics

The fruit of this collaboration will be on display at five venues in the capital city from 6pm.

The works of Mr Taylor and Ms Holland will be on show at La Bottega Art Bistro in Merchants Street.

Those of Mr Muscat, Ro Art Ceramics and Inka. will be at Cru Wine Bar, at 16, St Lucy Street.

JAD – Jewellery Art Design items, in collaboration with Valletta Design Cluster, will be available at C. Bezzina Engineering Workshop, at 71, St Nicholas Street.

Ms Allen’s photography will grace the space at SON Architecture, at 135, Melita Street.

And Ms Pulè’s project with the Valletta Design Cluster can be viewed at Borg Bakery, at 76, St Nicholas Street.

The event is being organised by the Malta Creative Collective, an independent movement that aims to bring together like-minded creatives based on the island.

Visitors may drop into any − or all – of the venues throughout the evening. Guided walks around the circuit will be run by digital artist Andrew Inguanez, starting at 7pm and 8pm from Cru Wine Bar.

Photographer Justine Ellul will document the event.

Entrance to all venues is free.

For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page.

JAD

Margerita Pulè

Inigo Taylor