The Art Explora Festival is an innovative, itinerant cultural event designed to bring artistic and cultural experiences to a broad audience through a travelling museum boat. The festival, organised by the Art Explora Foundation and Spazju Kreattiv, co-funded by Creative Europe, started its maiden tour in Valletta, Malta. During its voyage, this museum boat will visit 15 Mediterranean countries from spring 2024 to autumn 2026. This initiative, unique in its mobility, allows it to reach diverse coastal communities with its rich programme of events and activities.

Before its official launch in Marseille in 2024, the festival saw its pre-launch in Valletta, Malta, from March 21 to 31. Over 21,000 visitors boarded the boat, attended the events and participated in workshops and sessions organised throughout the Festival. The programme comprising over 30 initiatives over the 10 days, curated by Spazju Kreattiv’s Artistic Director Daniel Azzopardi, included circus performances, film screenings, dance performances, concerts, talks, open sharing and think tank sessions and interactive workshops for children and young people, all designed to engage and educate participants on artistic and environmental themes. 

International performers included Compañía de Circo “eia”, Justin Adams, Mauro Durante & Mohammed Errebbaa, Davide Ambrogio, Vento y Fogo, Gregarious, Tsungai Tsikirai & Band, Smadj, Safwane Kenani, and Ersoj Kasimov. Local acts such as *Etnika, Bonġu, Bejt!, BRIKKUNI, Immersjoni, and Claire Tonna captivated audiences. The festival also featured Malta’s National Dance Company ŻfinMalta and the National Choir KorMalta. Think Tank Sessions were enriched by contributions from organisations like the 3CL Foundation, Malta Chamber of Scientists, Inizjamed, Żibel and Magna Żmien. 

Film enthusiasts enjoyed screenings of Luzzu, Divertimento, Malèna, Drift, and Exodus. Additionally, the festival hosted residencies with Bea Bonafini and Renata Poljak, and educational workshops led by Sarah Galea, focusing on the environment, cultural heritage, and gender equality. The collaboration between Maltabiennale.art and Art Explora for the Ocean Weekend initiative further highlighted the festival’s commitment to diverse and impactful programming.

During the festival, visitors were also invited to participate in an Open Book Fora for a diverse and inclusive gathering where individuals from different local organisations shared their stories and explored subjects resonating with contemporary society. These conversations, facilitated by Lara Agius, provided a platform for meaningful dialogue and community engagement. Speakers on behalf of Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, MGRM, the Gozo Regional Council, Opening Doors Association, RISe Foundation, the Foundation for the Ukrainian Community of Malta, St Jeanne Antide Foundation, SPARK15 and YMCA created a space for an open dialogue and mutual comprehension. This forum not only highlighted the rich tapestry of local perspectives but also fostered a sense of community and collective learning, enhancing the festival’s mission of promoting cultural exchange and understanding. 

An info-space was also set up at Spazju Kreattiv informing visitors about the Festival while allowing those who wandered through to experience several virtual reality experiences exploring the lost archaeological sites of the Mediterranean through two exclusive immersive experiences offered by Ubisoft and Art Explora. As part of the visual arts experience, the programme included the exhibitions Dream (of) Land and Melita, מלט −mlṭ, refuge at our main gallery spaces in Saint James Cavalier which further enhanced the holistic festival experience. 

During the last few days before its departure, the museum boat had its sails hoisted revealing The Sail: A Work of Art by Laure Prouvost. Painted against the blue skies, and views of the Grand Harbour it was a sight to behold for those walking around Valletta during the last few days. 

Following its voyage to Malta, the museum boat headed to Venice for the launch of the Venice Biennale, followed by Marseille for the official festivities before heading to the rest of the Mediterranean cities. The main aim of the Art Explora Festival is to foster cultural exchange, promote environmental sustainability, and provide free access to high-quality artistic experiences, designed to be inclusive, catering to audiences of all ages and backgrounds​.