Event INFO
The Sliema Arts Festival is a celebration of creativity that ignites the coastal town of Sliema, Malta, with an array of artistic expressions. This event, which is making its return after a long hiatus of 8 years, has always been eagerly anticipated by locals and visitors alike; transforming the streets and promenade into an open air gallery and showcasing the diverse talents of both established and emerging artists.
The year’s festival, which will take place on the 19th, 20th & 21st July, encompasses various forms of art, from traditional paintings and sculptures to modern installations and performances. Free to wander through the picturesque streets, featuring colourful murals and sculptures, and each telling unique stories or conveying a message. Every corner holds a surprise, inviting exploration and interaction with the art and the artists behind it.
Our festival is an inspiring symbol of inclusivity, welcoming diverse artists and offering visitors direct engagement with creators. The festival is fueled by music, dance, and theater acts, and its artworks inspire reflection on social issues, promoting empathy and understanding. The festival also contributes to the cultural and economic vitality of Sliema by drawing visitors and creating a positive fusion of business and the arts.
In essence, the Sliema Arts Festival is more than just a celebration of creativity; it’s a testament to the transformative power of art to unite, inspire, and enrich lives.
OUR ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
James Micallef Grimaud aka Twitch, was awarded the best artist/illustrator award in 2023. He is responsible for the first graffiti and large scale murals on the island. His work originates from an intimate relationship with the community.
He defines himself as an artist/anarchist. In his work he seeks to show the fragility, transformation, gentrification and progressive dematerialisation of the cultural, strongly pronounced within the vibrant Mediterranean culture in which the resident artist works. He has held several solo exhibitions and participated in collective shows both locally and internationally whilst also collaborating with various artists in exhibitions and street art projects all over the globe.
“I started doing graffiti in the mid-nineties in the streets of Malta mostly out of boredom and since I had no money to buy canvases, I would use walls to express myself. There was no one doing anything or who had done anything back then so I got the title of pioneer of street art in Malta.”
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