Exhibition of Maltese artistic work in Brussels Bozar

The exhibition of the Maltese artwork, Malta. Land of Sea, held in the Fine Arts Centre Bozar in Brussels, was inaugurated last week by the Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government Dr Owen Bonnici.

This exhibition focuses on Malta’s characteristic features, particularly the sea surrounding the Maltese Islands, by displaying over 60 pieces of art, as well as objects of Maltese cultural heritage, both classic and contemporary.

These works, which are promoting our country and its people as a territory of land and sea, come from over 20 museums, cultural institutions and different NGOs in Malta, in collaboration with the National Arts Council and Heritage Malta.

Among several works in this exhibition, there is an art piece reflecting the danger which immigrants have to face while crossing the Mediterranean Sea.

This exhibition is also a remembrance of the 50th anniversary from the original proposal of Malta to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

During the inauguration of the exhibition, the minister addressed the audience, remarking that the sea surrounding the Maltese Islands unites us beyond country borders.

He continued by recalling that Valletta will be the European Capital in 2018, and today we see the artists active at the highest levels ever. Malta and its government are striving to provide ever more opportunities to artists, even at international level. He stated that the programme for the Maltese Presidency of the EU Council for this event also proves Malta’s commitment in the cultural field.

Minister Bonnici continued by saying that through this exhibition, Malta delivered its vision to build a better Europe with our partners, and use art as a means of union between Europe and our neighbours, particularly the sea surrounding Malta.

Malta’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium Ray Azzopardi stated that it is our mission to convey the message of the importance the Mediterranean region plays for peace and prosperity in Europe. He further emphasised on the importance that our common European heritage can play in charting the future of Europe.

Minister Bonnici urged citizens to visit this exhibition at Bozar, which is open until 28 May, in order to understand the beliefs and Malta’s voice, in the Mediterranean context, as well as European values.

He concluded by thanking everyone who was involved in this exhibition and made it possible for Maltese culture, Mediterranean and European cultures to be discussed in Brussels.