Last night, the annual Malta Art Awards, organised by Arts Council Malta, were held at the prestigious Manoel Theatre in Valletta.
The awards acknowledge excellence in artistic work premiered during the preceding year. Nominees were announced back in January, and divided into 10 categories, ranging from Artist of the Year to Best International Achievement.
Internationally-renowned solo guitarist Marcin Patrzalek gave a performance yesterday, as did local choir ensemble Kor Malta and dance company Zfin Malta. The winners received a sculpture in glass and ceramic by Maltese artist Kane Cali.
And here's the list of winners...
1. Anvil Game Studios
The local gaming company won Best Creative Enterprise for their incredible and innovative video games.
2. Magna Zmien
The Magna Zmien team, whose work was featured in the Valletta 2018 Cultural Programme, won the Innovation Award this year.
3. The New Victorians
The incredible singing sister-duo snatched up the Artist of the Year award. The powerhouse group released new music last year and were involved in various projects, such as their own creation MARA which they took to the Vault Festival earlier this year.
4. The Malta Jazz Festival 2018, Festivals Malta
The Malta Jazz Festival 2018 took home the Best Artistic Programme or Season award for their outstanding fest last summer. And this year, they’re back again from the 15th to the 20th of July with a show-stopping and international line-up.
5. Kirana, Soundscapes and Ruben Zahra
Kirana, which was part of the Valletta 2018 Cultural Programme won Best International Achievement last night. The performance also travelled to 2018 sister European Capital of Culture Leeuwarden and Sneek in the Friesland province.
6. Hush
Hush, by Denise Mulholland and Luke Saydon won Best Work for Young Audiences. Hush was also part of the Valletta 2018 Cultural Programme.
7. Hush (again!)
There’s no stopping this one! Hush also won Production of the Year.
8. Luke Saydon
Luke Saydon, who was also involved in the award-winning Hush, also won the Young Artist of the Year award on his own. He’s certainly one to watch!
9. Deep Shelter
Deep Shelter by Pamela Baldacchino, in collaboration with the Valletta 2018, won Best Project in the Community.
10. Valletta 2018 Opening
This performance was talked about months after it happened. The Valletta 2018 Opening, which was quite the spectacular performance, naturally won the Audience’s Choice Award last night
Bonus: Richard England
The Maltese architect, writer, artist, and academic won the Artistic Career Honour award for all his work on the Maltese Islands throughout the years.
Congrats to the winners!