The sixth edition of the MCAST ICA festival will be held from 7 July to 31 July at Spazju Kreattiv. The festival celebrates the talent and work of the Institute for the Creative Arts (ICA) students. MCAST and Spazju Kreattiv signed a memorandum of understanding for continued collaboration to ensure that students have the opportunity to showcase their work.

This was announced during the pre-festival launch in the presence of the Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation​ Clifton Grima and Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici.

The festival, supported by Spazju Kreattiv and Arts Council Malta, will feature work from the final-year Bachelor of Arts students and talent from the advanced diploma students. It demonstrates how students work collaboratively across disciplines to develop the skills and knowledge needed in the sector. MCAST Principal and CEO Professor Joachim James Calleja elaborated that “at the heart of each edition is the creative spirit of our students who participate in such an exhibition of talent and resourcefulness”. He added that “MCAST has become synonymous with opportunity and prosperity. Nurturing the learner’s creativity and preparing students thoroughly for the world of work is at the heart of what the College stands for. The yearly event also links the Institute and the local arts and design community.”

“Embrace liminality” is the students’ chosen theme for this year’s festival. It refers to what is simultaneously one of the most daunting and uncomfortable parts of the creative process that is also the final frontier before the next great idea. With this theme, the students aim to encourage individuals not to fear the unknown but embrace this liminal space of creativity and continue pushing for innovation and expression in one’s chosen discipline.

Chairman Fondazzjoni Kreattivita’ Rupert Cefai explained how the foundation serves as a bridge that links the educational sector to the creative industry. He stated that, “The transition from being a student to becoming a professional creative artist is never easy. However, thanks to initiatives and projects launched, the foundation is following in MCAST’s footsteps to understand and assist students better. These kind of collaborations will help emerging artists in securing industry opportunities which will help them build up experience in the artistic and creative sectors”.

This year’s edition of the MCAST ICA Festival also commemorates Donald Friggieri’s contribution to education in creative arts. Mr Friggieri, who sadly passed away this year, was a pioneer in the appreciation and study of Design in Malta and a passionate educator for over 30 years. In 2001, he was appointed the first Director of what was previously known as the MCAST Institute of Art and Design. He inspired many people, particularly the MCAST community, where his legacy is still very much present.

MCAST offers over 190 courses offered by six institutes in Malta and Gozo. The Institute for the Creative Arts offers over 25 courses, from entry-level courses to courses at Bachelor’s and Master’s levels courses. The ICA has a student population of over 1000 students. Prospective creative arts students and their families are invited to the Open Day activity at the Mosta Campus on Sunday, 19 June, from 5 pm to 9 pm. Information about various courses in fine art, graphic design, graphic printing, performing arts, fashion design, product, and spatial design, game art, creative media production, journalism, and more will be given during this event.