Trying to think of ways to scratch that arts itch this month? Worry not, we’ve got you covered.

Opening on 9th February, interdisciplinary and synaesthetic project BJUDA explores whiteness and the hues in relation to its absence.

At this point you might be asking yourself, ‘what’s so special about whiteness?’ – and with good reason!

Well, this ever-present colour holds a different meaning to pretty much everyone. Whiteness might remind you of innocence, death, or life. The colour’s meaning is also totally dependent on where you’re from, what religion you believe in, and what cultures you’ve been exposed to.

Simply put, whiteness brings together the different phases of our lives, and BJUDA is looking to explore exactly that through bilingual poetry, photography, and music.

Interesting, right?

This exhibition is being financed and organised by the insanely talented bunch over at Agenzija Zghazagh to mark the organisation’s 10th anniversary.

Agenzija Zghazagh looks to provide young people with the time and space to make friends, learn in new ways, and develop their talents – so, chances are that if you’re a young person in Malta, you’ve directly or indirectly crossed paths with this agency at some point in your life.

The organisation achieves its goals through its regional youth services as well as its extensive empowerment programme. The latter initiative provides young people with projects and activities in the visual arts, music, theatre, film, writing, and civic and political engagement disciplines at both local and European levels.

BJUDA is, therefore, Agenzija Zghazagh’s way of reaching out to and engaging with the country’s youths.

Now, back to the exhibition…

The three main artists who came together for BJUDA are Leanne Ellul, a poet and writer of stories for children and adults, Giola Cassar, an experienced photographic artist who’s exhibited her work locally and overseas, and Kenneth Sacco, a musician and composer who will be sharing his music for the first time ever.

The poems being displayed at the exhibition have been translated to English by Albert Gatt.

It just so happens that all three of the participating artists have, at some point in their lives, benefitted from Agenzija Zghazagh’s services and initiatives. It was only natural, therefore, that they came together later on in their lives to pay tribute to the agency.

One should also note that the exhibition is the culmination of months of research and exploration as well as a youth workshop delving deep into the concept of whiteness.

Thinking of checking BJUDA out?

The exhibition, curated by Elyse Tonna, will also be treating visitors to a publication expertly designed by Zvezdan Reljić.

BJUDA will be inaugurated on 9th February and will be open for the following three weeks at Agenzija Zghazagh in Santa Venera.

This project falls under the European Year of Youth.