The Gabriel Caruana Foundation has embarked on a three-year collaborative project, ‘Layers of Being’, rooted in collectively understanding and addressing shared social realities such as loneliness and isolation. Ideated by social practice artist Martina Camilleri, the project is happening in collaboration with intergenerational, multicultural communities across Malta and Gozo. The project has been awarded the President’s Award for Creativity, a fund managed by Arts Council Malta while also gaining support from APS Bank plc through its Corporate Social Responsibility Programme. Guided by a team of interdisciplinary artists spanning social practice, music, textiles, and performance, the practitioners and participants are exploring diverse forms of creative expression.
Through ‘Layers of Being’, a holistic investigation of thematics of healing, care, and togetherness aims for an enriching, evolving experience for all those involved.
Spread across three years, between 2024 and 2026, opportunities of exchange will occur with core participants from migrant, elderly and youth communities.
…rooted in collectively understanding and addressing shared social realities such as loneliness and isolation.
Moments of coming together are transformed into a tapestry of experiences; unlearning preconceptions, questioning uncertainties, sharing a laugh, and reaching insightful, deeper connections.
Valuing sharing and communication, there will be multiple moments of engaging with the wider public based on the needs and desires of participants.
Encounters of caring and healing as a lived, shared experience have accompanied the process in the first year: ‘Fabric of Being’. The team, including Raffaella Zammit, Sarah Portelli and Joseph Degabriele, with guest artists Katelia Delia and Diellza Ilgner, caringly consulted by Isabelle Gatt and Peter Farrugia worked together with individuals living communally; from those in villages and public spaces to residents in care homes. This will progress into the second year: ‘Perceptions of Being’, during which youth are actively involved in exploring and interpreting connections between the self, society and emotional health through sonic and visual expression. As a celebration of the journey experienced together, the third year: ‘Being: Resonation’ will be collectively thought out to continue nurturing the insights of the past journey of collaboration and diversity, while encouraging possible futures with the public.
Layers of Being is a Gabriel Caruana Foundation project that was awarded in 2023 the Il-Premju tal-President għall-Kreattività which is coordinated by Arts Council Malta, under the patronage of H.E. The President of Malta. The project is also funded by APS Bank plc through its Corporate Social Responsibility Programme.
The Gabriel Caruana Foundation would like to extend its gratitude towards all collaborators, participants, CareMalta homes Roseville and Casa Maria, Marsaskala Resident Network, Vogue Exchange, Birkirkara Active Citizens, Marsascala Local Council, Arts Council Malta, APS Bank plc and H.E. The President of Malta for the support.