‘Maltese artisans have seized the opportunity to adapt during the pandemic and produce original goods to encourage people to get more acquainted with local products. This Christmas, I urge the Maltese and Gozitans to buy products made by local artisans,’ – Minister Silvio Schembri

An artistic filigree galleon will be donated to Istrina.

The Minister for the Economy and Industry Silvio Schembri visited an exhibition with the theme ‘Qlugħ ‘, an exhibition that focuses on handicrafts made with the utmost care in filigree by Maltese artisans.

During a visit to the City Market, where the exhibition is being held, it was explained that the theme ‘Qlugħ’ is symbolic because it reflects the exit from the difficult situation brought about by the pandemic.

Minister Schembri praised the initiative of the artisans who used the pandemic period to give a strong boost to artisanal work with an innovative slant which highlights the talent of local artisans in this field.

‘It’s impressive that these artisans have adapted and been so flexible tot he point that many have started to produce new products, using the time they had on their hands due to the closure in order to take up interests they had, but never had the chance to explore. Here I therefore urge the Maltese and Gozitan people to reward the talent of Maltese artisans this Christmas and to buy products made by Maltese artists. Our intention as a Government is to continue to promote the Maltese artistic product on both local and international platforms. Moreover, we encourage young people to look at entrepreneurial craft. Therefore, the Crafts Village project in Ta’ Qali, which is at an advanced stage, will become a centre for artisanal innovation,’ said Minister Schembri.

Five srtisans collaborated to hold this innovative exhibition with traditional elements made of filigree embedded in jewellery and other designs which combine a traditional Maltese and modern aspect.

Kevin Attard, Warren Giordano, Eric Attard, Mark Borg, and Alan Busuttil explained how the time of the pandemic was an opportunity to take a look at their interests in handicrafts and produce products with the aim of reviving interest and the popularity of using filigree, as well as encouraging people to buy local products.

The focus of this exhibition is an artistic galleon made entirely of filigree one meter long and weighing 2.8 kg. A carefully crafted work with the participation of 21 artists under the supervision of the two artists, Kevin Attard and Alan Busuttil. The work was carefully shared which helped to make the final product so uniform that it looks as if it was made by the same person. The artists explained that this will be donated to Istrina.

The exhibition is open until 7 December.