Crafts village in Ta’ Qali will be completed next year – Minister

The government is pledging to complete the crafts village at Ta’ Qali next year.

“We want the Crafts Village of Ta’ Qali to serve as a reference point – from which to grow creative thinking, from where artisanship is passed on to another generation, from where school children are introduced to creative and entrepreneurial thinking, from where you, who is following this, can go and buy that special gift, and above all, from where to continue to shape that which is Maltese,” Economy Minister Silvio Schembri said.

Speaking about the 11th edition of ‘Ġieħ L-Artiġjanat’, Schembri said such events shine a light on Maltese talent.

“I want to meet with you, I want to hear your thoughts, I want to see your talent. This is an opportunity to discuss, share our thoughts and boost where required. You are the appropriate example and give true meaning to the term ‘Made in Malta’ – where one sets to work in order to realise one’s vision and for it to become a tangible reality,” said Minister Schembri.

Minister Schembri noted that the artisan sector has created an interesting space that needs to be further explored.

“During the months of the pandemic, many people took advantage of the time they had on their hands and worked on a project or product that they had envisioned for a long time. A younger generation is becoming more proactive, so much so that many have created impressive products, where they married what is traditionally Maltese to the modern. Today, it has become highly prestigious to be gifted something made by Maltese artisans. This is also because, today, these are more digitally visible. We therefore encourage you to first and foremost develop your commercial product, be creative, and invest in digital platforms on which you will be finding us, the government, as a shoulder to guide you,” said Minister Schembri.

This year has seen the participation of 51 applicants.

The winners were: Category 4

- Recognition for Artisanal Work - Victor Azzopardi

Category 2 accepted applications for Artisanal Initiatives

This category is divided into three sub-categories which are open to businesses selling Maltese crafts and to individuals and groups taking other initiatives which bolster Maltese artisanship as well as local councils.

The winner in the subcategory open to businesses selling Maltese crafts is Veronica Sciriha with her L-Aritiġjan initiative.

The winner for the subcategory open to individuals and groups who take other initiatives which promote Maltese artisanship is Carmel Azzopardi with Ilwien

Nostalġiċi.

Category 1 of the ‘Premju Ġieħ l-Artiġjanat Malti 2020’ which accepted applications for Artisanal Products.

This category is divided into seven subcategories:

Subcategory A - Most Innovative Product: Textiles

The winner of this subcategory is Marika Camilleri with IlMaskra tal-Bizzilla tal-COVID.

Subcategory C - Most Innovative Product: Glass and Ceramic Work

The winner of this subcategory is Jennifer Mallia with ‘ Maltese Contemporary Lyre Clock’.

Subcategory D - Most Innovative Product: Precious Metal and Jewellery

The winner of this subcategory is Kevin Attard with the product ‘Mimi e il toro’.

Subcategory E - Most Innovative Product: Modelling, Painting and Sculpture

The winner of this subcategory is Jason Farrugia with ‘ Marija Bambina’ Għaqda Mużikali Marija Bambina Banda Vittorja Naxxar.

Subcategory G - Most Innovative Product by a Group of Artisans

The winners of this subcategory are Santa Marija Philharmonic Society, Żebbug with ‘Artistic Dome ... 360o Handicrafts’.