This first Valletta Photography Festival aimed to raise the stature of photography in Malta with particular emphasis to the practice of contemporary photography. The persons who made this festival possible were artist/photographer Patrick Fenech, multimedia creator Vince Briffa and co-curator Lisa Gwen Baldacchino.
The main event, at the Auberge d’Italie showcased the contemporary photography works of 10 young Maltese artists, dealing with various themes and using different photography techniques from pinhole to analog and digital photography. Other exhibitions were held at St. James Cavalier Centre for Creativity, the Covered Market and at a catering/entertainment establishment in Marsamxetto.
The objectives of the festival were to establish the practice and appreciation of fine art /contemporary photography in Malta and to network with local practitioners of art photography and discover and encourage new talent through portfolio reviews. The festival also aimed at educating students at secondary level in Malta and Gozo by holding a number of workshops on how to read photographs with the intention of improving their literacy and to establish the festival on the international circuit.
Presenting the sponsorship, MSV Senior Executive, Joanna Azzopardi said “events such as this provide an excellent opportunity to upcoming artists to exhibit and develop their works and we are indeed very pleased to associate ourselves with this initiative. Our contribution towards the Valletta Photography Festival is an endorsement to the increasing popularity of photography in Malta and Gozo”.
Mr. Patrick Fenech stated that “such events need the backing from corporate companies such as MSV Life and it is thanks to their support that an event of this scale may be organised with a high level presentation and success to push Maltese photography beyond its local confines”.
MSV Life p.l.c. is authorised by the Malta Financial Services Authority to carry on long term business under the Insurance Business Act 1998. COM 020611/2
