MSV Life recently sponsored a photography exhibition held at Auberge d’Italie in Valletta between 21 and 27 July 2012. The exhibition was inaugurated by the Hon. Mario Demarco, Minister for Tourism, the Environment and Culture. All proceeds from the sale of the photographs on exhibit were in aid of Inspire, the Foundation for Inclusion.
Christopher Diedo was born in Dartford, England and has strong Maltese roots. Diedo who has Down Syndrome, credits his father with introducing him to photography and first showing him how to operate a camera. He finds inspiration in everyday life, the people he meets and the places he visits. Holidays to Malta have allowed him to develop a diverse portfolio.
His photographs present a refreshing view of life from someone with no formal training or qualifications in photography. Christopher says, “When I exhibit my pictures, it gives me the chance to show the public what people with learning disabilities can do if people believe in them”. His ‘break’ came in 2009 when he held a one man exhibition at the Mick Jagger Centre in London. He has since gone on to exhibit& at venues such as: The Proud Gallery, Camden; The Oxo Tower Gallery on the Southbank; the Truman Brewery, Brick Lane; The Strand Gallery, Charing Cross and Dartford Borough Council Chambers.
In his address at the opening of the exhibition David G. Curmi, CEO of MSV Life, said “as the leading Maltese life insurance company it is indeed an honour for MSV Life to be sponsoring this exhibition”. Mr. Curmi continued by saying that “thirteen years ago, as part of its corporate social responsibility policy, MSV Life entered into a collaboration agreement with the then Eden Foundation who then became Inspire. This collaboration agreement became MSV Life’s most important Community Relations Programme. The scope of this programme is to give youngsters with developmental disabilities, training opportunities and exposure to work environments on equal terms as other employees. This initiative was a great success which I believe has made MSV Life a local pioneer in this regard.”
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 300712/1
