Valletta’s Historic Walls: A Canvas for Tomorrow’s Creativity
Immersing oneself in Valletta, especially during the unfolding preparations for designMT 2025, is akin to witnessing a city awakening into a new, vibrant skin. The seemingly timeless cityscape is being transformed into a canvas for the modern creative pulse, skillfully crafted by visionaries, designers, and makers alike. This transformation is most evident as one traverses the gates of Auberge d’Aragon, with the sun casting a golden hue over the limestone ramparts. The city’s rich history intertwines seamlessly with a promising future, setting the stage for a truly unique experience.
As Elton Micallef, CEO of the Malta Crafts Foundation and one of the main organisers of designMT, guides visitors through the city, it’s clear that Valletta’s historical sites are about to host something decidedly contemporary. The city’s historic identity and architecture serve as the backdrop for designMT, with exhibitions held at Auberge d’Aragon, Fortress Builders, the Chapel of Our Lady of Pilar, and the Valletta Design Cluster.
DesignMT: A Harmonious Blend of Past and Present
designMT is a unique event that places a strong emphasis on the narrative aspect of design. The chosen pieces are not just visually appealing but encapsulate functionality, style, and cultural meaning. The architectural essence of the venues, with their stone corridors, sacred silences, and shadows, will serve as a framework to highlight and sometimes challenge the contemporary pieces exhibited within.
The exhibitors, numbering over 40, are established names in Malta’s design scene. They include Charles Zammit, a sculptor proficient in Maltese limestone; Alda Bugeja, a Gozo-based textile artist; Marisa Zarb, a jewelry designer who integrates engineering elements into her creations; Charles & Ron, fashion influencers active for over 30 years; Nico Conti, a ceramist specializing in 3-D printing; Glen Calleja, a bookbinder and poet; and Stephen Cordina, a beloved fragrance curator.
Themes That Resonate
More than a mere display of creative works, designMT encourages discourse about the role of design in contemporary life. A series of thematic events have been curated to encourage discussions, engage audiences, and provide insights into the artists’ intentions, challenges, and local narratives.
In venues like the Chapel of Our Lady of Pilar and the Auberge d’Aragon, the contrasting elements of traditional architecture and modern art forms set up a dynamic tension. The limestone sculptures, for instance, seem to symbolize fortitude and transformation. The overall atmosphere is one of optimism, with tradition viewed not as an obstacle but as a fertile ground for creativity. designMT 2025, therefore, feels more like a living experiment in how a small but vibrant nation can redefine its identity through art, craft, and dialogue.
As designMT 2025 opens its doors, Valletta is set to undergo a transformation. The city’s stone structures will become stages for creative expression. The streets, once trodden by tourists, will serve as corridors linking various exhibitions. Design conversations will echo through cafes, galleries, and bastions, infusing the city with a new creative energy.
Read more about this transformation Here.
