Friday, 29 November 2024

The Malta International Contemporary Arts Space is celebrating its triumphal opening exhibition by the acclaimed Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos with a special Open weekend over the two days of Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December.

Art lovers, families, visitors young and old will enjoy free access to the Vasconcelos exhibition as well as cast their eyes on the majestic MICAS Galleries, in a festive atmosphere that will include children’s gallery walks, educational activites, a guided historic trail, open-air games and live music for everyone.

“We are planning a very special weekend for all families and those who have yet to experience the Vasconcelos exhibition, with a special two-day open weekend here at MICAS,” said executive chairperson Phyllis Muscat.

“This is a great opportunity for everyone to experience Malta’s newest cultural destination, and admire the architecture that has reclaimed this once-inaccessible part of the historic Knights fortifications for the community, as well as the exuberant and colourful installations of Joana Vasconcelos,” Muscat added.

MICAS will be hosting tours of the Vasconcelos exhibition for children for all age groups from five to 15, as well as activity workshops.

Other tours include a historical architecture tour of the MICAS site, and tours for all ages of both the Vasconcelos exhibition as well as the works of British contemporary artist Conrad Shawcross.

Activities on the day will include open-air games, with a giant chess board, traditional Maltese games brilli, boċċi, and passju, giant Jenga blocks, as well as archery boards for all to participate in.

Young visitors and their guardians will also enjoy taking part in a MICAS ‘plant hunt’, where they will seek out matching plants from the many endemic species that line the museum campus, as well as a spot of seed sowing and even leaf painting.

Dr Georgina Portelli, MICAS board member and chair of its education committee said that visitors will see how over 6,000 square metres of this historic landscape at Floriana, had now been reclaimed and repurposed as a space for art and culture.

“MICAS is essentially a contemporary intervention within Floriana’s historical landscape, that reappropriates these outstanding bastions and rightfully democratises the space,” Portelli said of what has now become Malta’s calling card to the world of international contemporary art.

“Not only have we ensured their continued conservation and safeguarded cultural heritage and areas of high landscape value, but we are doing this by facilitating access to art.”

Visitors to MICAS will also be able to view acquired sculptures by the museum such as Ugo Rondinone’s the radiant and Conrad Shawcross’s The Dappled Light of the Sun (Formation 1) – a prelude to MICAS’s sculpture garden, set to be unveiled in 2025.

“These open spaces and terraces will provide the public further access to new heritage trails, green areas, open spaces, and long-hidden seascapes,” Portelli said.

 Visit www.micas.art for more information

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS

Discover, Learn, and Play: Open Weekend at the Museum

Explore the Historical Landscape

Begin your visit with a historical architectural tour of the museum’s campus, the  unique and storied historical landscape of the Old Ospizio. Guided tours will uncover the fascinating history behind the site’s military architecture  and the new contemporary intervention, offering insight into how art, culture, and heritage shape our surroundings.

Creative and Educational Activities for Children and Teens

The Open Weekend highlights the museum’s educational programs, with activities tailored to different age groups:

For Ages 5–7 and 8–10:
Interactive gallery walks introduce children to the bold and colorful artworks of Joana Vasconcelos, such as Valkyrie Mumbet, Loft, Garden of Eden, and Tree of Life. Through observation, storytelling, and sensory exploration, young visitors are encouraged to imagine and engage with art in new ways.
Workshops follow, inviting children to craft their own magical creatures or their own Tree of Life using simple, colorful materials inspired by Vasconcelos’s unique techniques.

For Ages 11-12 and 13–15:
Older children will delve  deeper into the themes and techniques of Joana Vasconcelos’s work. Following a gallery walk that explores her use of materials and storytelling, participants will join workshops to create their own sculptures  inspired by her art. These activities encourage them to think critically about how art transforms everyday objects, cultural symbols into meaningful expressions.

Nature-Inspired Fun

The museum’s landscape garden and nursery offer a variety of hands-on, nature-themed activities for children :

• Go on an indigenous plant hunt to discover the beauty of local flora.

• Get creative with leaf painting or learn about sustainability through seed sowing.

  These activities combine art and ecology, connecting young participants with nature and the museum’s green initiatives.

Fun for All Ages: Playful Outdoor Activities

For those eager to enjoy traditional games and physical fun, the Open Weekend also features:

• Classic Maltese games like boċċi, brilli, and passju, offering a nostalgic glimpse into local heritage.

• Giant Chess, Giant Jenga perfect for testing strategic skills.

• Archery, where precision and focus take center stage.

For art enthusiasts, an outdoor and indoor tour will highlight works by Joana Vasconcelos, Conrad Shawcross and Ugo Rondinone showcasing the blend of contemporary art and historical surroundings.

Bookings can be done at bookings.micas.art

TIMELINE OF ACTIVITIES at MICAS Open Days