Heart to Art: Celebrating ability, creativity and the power of giving

Young artists from S.T.A.N.D. (Striving Towards Ability Not Disability) showcase their talents in a special exhibition, donating proceeds from their paintings to The Malta Trust Foundation to help extend support and opportunities to others.

Art has the power to inspire, connect and make a difference. For a group of young artists with disabilities in Malta, it has also become an opportunity to give back to the community.

Heart to Art, an exhibition organised by S.T.A.N.D., brings together original paintings created by young members of the organisation, with all proceeds from their sale being donated to The Malta Trust Foundation. Established in 2015 by Her Excellency Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, President Emeritus of Malta, the Foundation is dedicated to combating poverty and social exclusion, working to improve the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals through meaningful support, opportunities and initiatives that promote inclusion and wellbeing.

Currently on display at the Nestlé Consumer Centre in Lija until 30 October 2026, the exhibition celebrates the artistic achievements of its participants while highlighting an important message: people with disabilities are not only recipients of support, but also active contributors to their communities.

From creative expression to collective achievement

The paintings featured in Heart to Art are the culmination of art lessons that have provided the young participants with opportunities to explore their creativity, develop new skills and express themselves freely.

Beyond artistic development, these sessions have offered valuable therapeutic and social benefits, encouraging emotional expression, confidence, concentration and a sense of belonging.

The lessons were voluntarily led by artist and exhibition curator Josette Fenech, with the support of her husband and daughter, who also contributed their time voluntarily to help make the initiative possible.

Reflecting on the participants' progress, Fenech explained: “When I see them attending the art lessons, I notice how the experience helps them believe in their own abilities. They begin to realise, ‘I am capable. I can create.’ Seeing their work come to life on canvas fills them with pride, and they cannot wait to show their creations to their parents and friends.

“But perhaps most importantly, art gives them a sense of identity and purpose. What they create is not simply a craft or an activity to pass the time. Their work has real value, and through this exhibition, it becomes a way of helping others. Knowing that their creativity can make a difference in someone else's life gives their achievements an even deeper meaning.”

Giving back through art and collaboration

What makes Heart to Art particularly meaningful is the young artists' contribution towards helping others. Proceeds from their paintings will support The Malta Trust Foundation's work with vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals, including people with disabilities who require additional assistance and opportunities.

Glen Bugeja, President of S.T.A.N.D., emphasised that the initiative also reflects the organisation's commitment to solidarity and collaboration within the voluntary sector.

“This is the second time this year that S.T.A.N.D. has extended its support to another voluntary organisation. Our first initiative saw us donate €2,000 to Dar tal-Providenza through the Volleyball Marathon, and we are now proud to support The Malta Trust Foundation through Heart to Art...We firmly believe that organisations working within the same sector should not see one another as competitors, but rather as partners united by a common purpose. Collaboration is essential if we are to strengthen our collective impact, share opportunities and reach more people who need our support," he said. 

The exhibition reflects S.T.A.N.D.'s mission to promote the abilities, talents and potential of people with disabilities, while demonstrating how creative opportunities can foster both personal growth and meaningful community participation.

Rather than focusing on limitations, Heart to Art places the achievements, individuality and generosity of its young artists at the centre of the initiative.

The exhibition was officially inaugurated on 15 October in the presence of Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and has been made possible with the support and sponsorship of APS Bank.

The exhibition Heart to Art, organised by S.T.A.N.D. – Striving Towards Ability Not Disability, is being held at the Nestlé Consumer Centre in Lija until Friday, 30 October 2026. Open Monday to Thursday from 8am to 3pm and on Fridays and Saturdays from 8am to noon, the exhibition is supported by APS Bank and Nestlé Malta, with all proceeds from the sale of paintings going to The Malta Trust Foundation.