Transformer is a multifaceted, two-year project that builds relationships between the Maltese artistic context and international cultural networks through a series of border-crossing curatorial and artistic exchanges. Produced by Blitz, Valletta, and Central St Martins, London, the project includes curatorial research, artist residencies, public talks, workshops, an online platform, and a multi-site exhibition in spaces across Malta during the European Capital of Culture 2018. Transformer is supported by the Multi-Annual Support Grant, Arts Council Malta and is part of the European Capital of Culture Programme.

The activities are a collaboration between project partners from Malta, the United Kingdom, Spain, Morocco, and Greece, with the aim of building a network which will help develop Artist Run Organisations (AROs) and the contemporary art context in Malta. 

Transformer focuses on the dynamic generated by AROs and their engagement with contingencies of the present, engendering artistic discourse via artists-based research activities in-situ. Transformer institutes a ground-up, grassroots, sustainable and long-lasting interchange; nurturing, developing and extending the activity of the Maltese contemporary art scene, widening its sphere of influence, and embedding it within European and international communities of practice. 

Created and organised by Blitz and Central Saint Martins (CSM), University of the Arts, London

Project Management: Nicole Bearman, Alexandra Pace (Blitz)

Creative Direction: Emma Talbot, Mick Finch (CSM) 

Online platform: Tom Clark

Participating artists and AROs: Kosmas Nikolaou (3 137, Athens, Greece); Ro Caminal (CeRCCa, Barcelona, Spain); Laila Hida (Le 18, Marrakech, Morocco); Mohamed Fariji (L'Atelier de l’Observatoire, Casablanca, Morocco); Fenêtreproject – Dustin Cauchi, Francesca Mangion (Blitz, Valletta, Malta)