THE MINISTRY FOR EQUALITY, RESEARCH AND INNOVATION AND THE MINISTRY FOR NATIONAL HERITAGE, THE ARTS AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Malta Pride 2021 with the theme #YouAreIncluded launched with an art exhibition showcasing works from LGBTIQ+ artists

Minister for Equality, Research and Innovation Owen Bonnici and Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government José Herrera have launched ‘Refraction’, an art exhibition featuring works by various international and local LGBTIQ+ artists, which is marking the opening of Malta Pride 2021. The exhibition is taking place at Spazju Kreattiv and will run for six weeks starting from the 10th of September.

This exhibition is only the first event of a packed programme organised by the Allied Rainbow Communities (ARC) as part of Malta Pride Week 2021, which will carry the theme #YouAreIncluded.

In his speech for the occasion, Minister for Equality, Research and Innovation Owen Bonnici said that, “Malta has made huge strides forward in the area of LGBTIQ+ rights since 2013, and today Malta is considered to be a trailblazer in Europe in so far as LGBTIQ+ rights are concerned and this should make us truly proud to be Maltese.”

“Still, there is much more work to be done,” Minister Bonnici continued, “and this is why Pride is still relevant and still needs to be celebrated. We cannot afford to let our guard down and take these rights for granted, as far too many people around the world are still oppressed simply for being who they are. In this area, Malta can truly lead by example and, at the same time, we have to keep fostering communities which embrace diversity and equality.”

Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government José Herrera said that, “Spazju Kreattiv was established to emphasise the freedom of our artists and creatives. This being the case, this forum embraces diversity wholeheartedly. Thus, it was only right and fitting that the Malta Pride Week was launched from Spazju Kreattiv.”

ARC President Clayton Mercieca said, “This year’s theme ‘You Are Included’ reminds us that even though we’ve made great steps forward in this area, there is still much work to be done with regards to education, health, attitudes and gender identity among those who are a minority within a minority.”

Mr Mercieca went on to explain that ‘Refraction’ is probably the first exhibition of its kind in Malta on this scale.

Fondazzjoni Kreattività Chairman Rupert Cefai said that he is glad that Allied Rainbow Communities chose to launch Malta Pride Week from Spazju Kreattiv and that there is a creative aspect in their celebration.

“This foundation aims to be a catalyst for diversity to keep developing in the cultural sector, and to give a voice to artists through their art. Therefore, it is very important to keep creating opportunities and assisting tomorrow’s artists in the Maltese creative sector,” Mr Cefai stated.

“The Refraction exhibition forms part of Spazju Kreattiv’s 2021-22 holistic programme, as well as forming part of Malta Pride Week, which is being launched during the same event. The exhibition is open until 24th October, and aims to celebrate that which is usually excluded, forgotten or misunderstood. It is also the recognition of the continuous global fight for LGBTIQ+ rights,” Mr Cefai continued.

Despite having to cancel Pride March due to the pandemic, as it generally attracts thousands to the streets of the capital, the organisers have put together a programme of events to celebrate inclusion and diversity, highlight issues that are pertinent to the LGBTIQ+ community and provide opportunities to connect once again, in full respect of regulations of the health authorities.

The events for this year’s Pride will run from Friday,10th September to Sunday, 19th September, and will range from exhibitions to discussions, speeches, performances and even a concert at Argotti Gardens in Floriana. Opportunities for socialisation and community gatherings will be aplenty and held in various different establishments, all within the regulations issued by the health authorities.

Further information can be found on the Malta Pride official website www.maltapride.org.

Source: Office of the Prime Minister