Calling all creatives

An unique online hub for creative people will be launched in Valletta next week, with the aim of bringing together artistic individuals from various fields.

Shot from the Burlesque show, one of the Creative Island’s staple projects. Photo by Stephen Buhagiar.
Shot from the Burlesque show, one of the Creative Island’s staple projects. Photo by Stephen Buhagiar.

Creative Island, which will be launched with a fancy dress party at L-Ingliz Tea Rooms, St John's Street Valletta on June 15, 20:00, will serve as a jumping-off point for anybody interested in inspiring, off-beat artistic projects, as well as opportunities for collaboration with other creatives from Malta.

The brainchild of Nicole Cuschieri - producer and director behind the sold out Dazzle Troupe Burlesque Shows - the project, found online at www.creativeisland.com.mt - will give artists the opportunity to sell their work through an online shop and to participate in various events and workshops. The site will also feature a section dedicated to 'creative employment'. By simply signing up for a free membership to the Creative Island website, emerging performers, writers, filmmakers and visual artists will be helped along to boost their creative output with a business edge.

The workshops on offer will all be delivered by established UK tutors with wide experience in their fields. The workshops will include: Standup comedy by Logan Murray, Corporeal Mime by Mimespace, Comedy acting/improvisation by the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, Commedia dell'Arte by IsLad and Shadow, hand and string puppetry by Horse and Bamboo. Each workshop will be held for 2 full days over a weekend throughout the summer months accepting a maximum of 20 participants.

During the launch of Creative Island, St John's Street will be transformed into a creative playground full of fun and wizardry. Elixirs and potions, magical cupcakes and mystical pastizzi will be sold on the night to help you find your true love and fortune.

Amongst the mayhem - presented by Joseph Zammit - there will be a performance by Ian Schranz and Katryna Storace from Bark Bark Disco & Stolen Creep and an exciting one-off performance by Cikku l-Poplu singing nostalgic songs from past Burlesque shows.

Artistic stalls by Pastizzi Gourmet, Martha's Cakes and Bakes, Karly Cole crafts and henna painting, Experimental Creations, Stefan Vella, Clare's Jewellery and Vanessa Vella. There will also be face painting by Emma Beard, fortune telling by Jo the wizard and a witches brew by Diana Navia Arca.

For more information log on to www.creativeisland.com.mt, or search for Creative Island on Facebook.