On the 31st of October, 2024, students from state and non-state secondary schools gathered at the China Cultural Centre (CCC) to celebrate their artistic achievements following their participation in the 15th edition of the art competition and exhibition themed “A Carnival Float Portraying Maltese and Chinese Cultures.”
During the award ceremony, Ms. Sandra Ebejer, Director of the Early Years, Language, and Humanities (DELH) at the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research, and Innovation (MEYR), and Ms. Yuan Yuan, Director of the China Cultural Centre (CCC) in Malta, delivered speeches on the significance of art education in encouraging students to explore and appreciate different cultures.
This year’s CCC exhibition featured artworks by student prize-winners from: St Margaret College Cospicua Middle and Senior Secondary schools; St Thomas More Tarxien Middle school; St Theresa College Mriehel Senior Secondary school; St George Preca College Hamrun Senior Secondary school; the Malta Visual and Performing Arts school and St.Edwards College Senior Secondary school.
The CCC Art Competition and Exhibition is organized annually by Dr. Charmaine Zammit, Education Officer for Art & Design at DELH, MEYR, in collaboration with the China Cultural Centre in Malta. This initiative aims to merge Chinese and Maltese art and culture, offering students and teachers an opportunity to appreciate and explore the similarities and contrasts between the two cultures through research, reflection, and creative practices.
In addition to celebrating students’ artistic achievements, the annual event also recognizes the dedicated work of art teachers who guide students’ participation in local and international artistic initiatives. In addition to technical skills, participating in such initiatives helps students develop emotional literacy, critical thinking, and creative potential, all of which are aspects of a holistic art education approach.
At the beginning of this scholastic year, a circular announced the theme for the 16th edition of the CCC Competition and Exhibition: “Nihao China…Exploring Zhejiang on a Maltese Luzzu,” encouraging the participation from state and non-state secondary and post-secondary students.
