The Artists’ Residency Programme continues to be a platform fostering artistic growth, cultural exchange, and community engagement. This year’s cohort, featuring Erin McGuiness, Patricia Abela, Sean Fisher, TURBA (Romane Piffaut and Mehdi Dahkan), and Claudio Beorchia, exemplified the strand’s mission to instigate cooperation and creativity in communities through their innovative and culturally rich projects. Each artist brought a unique perspective, enriching the local and international art scene. 

Erin McGuiness: Interconnections – A Clay Workshop to Bridge the Past into the Present (United States of America)

Erin McGuiness’s residency focused on Malta’s Neolithic archaeological heritage, guiding participants in creating clay replicas of ancient artefacts. Through her activities, McGuiness facilitated a deep connection between the participants and their ancestors, exploring the symbolic language of Malta’s prehistoric artefacts. Her integration of contemplative practices with art-making provided a meditative and imaginative space for participants to engage with the past. McGuiness’s work highlighted the relevance of ancient wisdom in contemporary times, fostering a greater appreciation for Malta’s rich cultural history.

Patricia Abela: Weaving Connections (Australia)

Patricia Abela, an Australian artist of Maltese descent, focused on traditional and contemporary weaving techniques to create an installation at the Valletta Design Cluster. Her project engaged the Maltese community, including visually impaired participants, in a collaborative art-making process. Abela’s work drew inspiration from the natural environment and her Maltese heritage, addressing themes of environmental sustainability and community resilience. Her residency resulted in a visually stunning and conceptually rich installation that celebrated cultural heritage and environmental consciousness.

Sean Fisher: Engineering Friendships (Scotland)

Sean Fisher’s performance, Engineering Friendships, centred on the art of repair, contrasting Malta’s evolving material culture with Gozo’s traditional self-sufficiency. His 24-hour repair performance engaged the public in a thought-provoking exploration of value, sustainability, and the skill of mending. Fisher’s work bridged the gap between mechanical engineering and artistic practice, highlighting the importance of durability and the stories embedded in everyday objects. His collaboration with local mechanic Carmelo Richie underscored the communal and narrative aspects of repair, offering a poignant commentary on consumption and materialism.

TURBA (Romane Piffaut and Mehdi Dahkan): Exploring the Dynamics of Crowds (France & Morocco)

The TURBA collective, comprising Romane Piffaut and Mehdi Dahkan, focused on the influence of social and territorial dynamics on crowd behaviour. Their research-based project drew from public spaces, observing and interpreting the movements and interactions of bodies within different environments. By integrating urban and contemporary dance practices, TURBA created performances, some of which were presented in collaboration with the Dance Festival Malta, that resonated with the local communities, fostering a deeper understanding of social cohesion and individual expression. Their residency facilitated cross-cultural dialogues, enriching the local art scene with diverse artistic perspectives.

Claudio Beorchia: Evoking the Mediterranean’s Legendary Past (Italy)

Claudio Beorchia’s project centred on the Mediterranean Sea, exploring the historical and contemporary relationship between humans and the sea. Through participatory practices, Beorchia engaged the communities in uncovering the mythological and cultural narratives embedded in the names of boats. His work aimed to rekindle a shared awareness of the Mediterranean’s legendary dimension, contrasting it with modern perceptions of the sea as an economic and touristic resource. Beorchia’s residency, which was focused in the town of Marsaxlokk, culminated in a series of community-driven art pieces that celebrated Malta’s maritime heritage and promoted cultural reflection.

This year’s Artists’ Residency Programme successfully facilitated a diverse range of artistic practices and cultural explorations. The projects not only enriched the artists’ practices but also deeply engaged the local community, fostering a greater appreciation for Malta’s cultural heritage and contemporary artistic expressions. The programme continues to be a vital platform for artistic innovation and cross-cultural exchange, contributing significantly to the cultural landscape of Malta and beyond.