Transformer is a multifaceted, two-year project that builds relationships between the Maltese artistic context and international cultural networks through a series of border-crossing curatorial and artistic exchanges. Produced by Blitz, Valletta, and Central St Martins, London, the project includes curatorial research, artist residencies, public talks, workshops, an online platform, and a multi-site exhibition in spaces across Malta during the European Capital of Culture 2018. Transformer is supported by the Multi-Annual Support Grant, Arts Council Malta and is part of the European Capital of Culture Programme.

The activities are a collaboration between project partners from Malta, the United Kingdom, Spain, Morocco, and Greece, with the aim of building a network which will help develop Artist Run Organisations (AROs) and the contemporary art context in Malta.

Transformer focuses on the dynamic generated by AROs and their engagement with contingencies of the present, engendering artistic discourse via artists-based research activities in-situ. Transformer institutes a ground-up, grassroots, sustainable and long-lasting interchange; nurturing, developing and extending the activity of the Maltese contemporary art scene, widening its sphere of influence, and embedding it within European and international communities of practice.

Project Management: Nicole Bearman, Alexandra Pace (Blitz)
Creative Direction: Emma Talbot, Mick Finch (CSM)
Online platform: Tom Clark

Participating artists and AROs: Kosmas Nikolaou (3 137, Athens, Greece); Ro Caminal (CeRRCa, Barcelona, Spain); Laila Hida (Le 18, Marrakech, Morocco); Mohamed Fariji (L’Atelier de l’Observatoire, Casablanca, Morocco); Fenêtreproject – Dustin Cauchi, Francesca Mangion (Blitz, Valletta, Malta).

 

TRANSFORMER – OFFICIAL LAUNCH & PUBLIC PROGRAMME
Friday 7 September
6.00 – 9.30pm
Blitz, Valletta

6.00pm – Project Introduction by Transformer’s Creative Directors, Emma Talbot & Mick Finch

6.45pm – Round Table discussion with Transformer’s artists and Artist Run Organisations

This panel discussion will consider how the participating international artist run organisations and artists involved with Transformer (from North Africa, Spain, Greece) are operating in the contemporary art context. The Transformer project will be a starting point to open up discussions about networking, the role of the artist run organisation, collaboration, presentation of artworks, development of artistic practices, site responsivity and projects and opportunities in the region and further afield. The event will provide useful experiential information for contemporary artists and those interested in the cultural field.

8.00m – Drinks and official opening of the Transformer multi-site exhibition

 

TRANSFORMER EXHIBITION DATES: 8 SEPTEMBER ~ 14 OCTOBER

 

TRANSFORMER artists and sites: 

Kosmas Nikolaou (3 137, Athens) – Villa Bologna, Attard

Ro Caminal (CeRRCa, Barcelona) – Spazju Kreattiv, St James Cavalier, Valletta

Laila Hida (Le 18, Marrakech) – Valletta Design Cluster Water Fountain, Valletta

Mohamed Fariji (L’Atelier de l’Observatoire, Casablanca) – Pjazza San Pawl & 1st Hamrun Scouts Group, Hamrun

Fenêtreproject – Dustin Cauchi, Francesca Mangion (Blitz and the MUŻA collection, Valletta) – Blitz, Valletta

Go to transformermalta.com for more details and opening times.