Premju Ġieħ l-Artiġjanat Malti exhibition opens at Spazju Kreattiv

The Malta Crafts Foundation has officially launched the exhibition for Premju Ġieħ l-Artiġjanat Malti 2025 at Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta, bringing together a diverse showcase of contemporary and traditional artisanal works created by local artisans from across the Maltese islands.

Open daily until 28 June with free entrance, the exhibition also marks the launch of the People’s Choice Award, through which members of the public are invited to vote online for their favourite artisanal products competing within Category 1 of the Awards.

Visitors attending the exhibition are encouraged to scan the QR codes available throughout the venue and cast their votes online, while members of the public may also vote directly through the Malta Crafts Foundation website, www.maltacrafts.org.

The winning entries, including the People’s Choice Award winners, will be announced during an awards ceremony to be held on 26 June.

Organised annually by the Malta Crafts Foundation, the Premju Ġieħ l-Artiġjanat Malti celebrates excellence, innovation, and dedication within Malta’s artisan sector, while also highlighting the importance of preserving traditional skills and encouraging their adaptation to contemporary realities.

Similar to previous years, this edition also features submissions across three main award categories.

The first category focuses on artisanal products and craftsmanship, showcasing works in textiles; food and beverage; glass works and ceramics; precious materials; modelling, painting, and sculpting; non-precious materials; and artisanal products manufactured by local feast organisations.

The second category highlights collaborative projects between artisans aimed at fostering innovation within the sector, encouraging makers to work together to develop new concepts, techniques, and contemporary applications for traditional crafts.

Meanwhile, the third category recognises individual contributions to the artisan sector through awards dedicated to the student of the year; trainer of the year; emerging maker of the year; artisans taking initiatives towards sustaining endangered crafts; maker of the year; and a lifetime achievement recognition for master artisans.

The exhibition is being held at Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta, and is open from Tuesday to Friday between 9am and 9pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays between 10am and 9pm.

Through this exhibition and awards programme, the Malta Crafts Foundation continues to support the revival, preservation, and long-term sustainability of local artisanal skills, while promoting Maltese craftsmanship to wider audiences and encouraging innovation within the sector.