Voyage of Art Sets Sail — “China-Malta Children’s Art Exchange Exhibition” Is Opened at ZJAM

pubdate: 2025/9/17   author: zjam  source: zjam  click:

On the afternoon of September 16, the opening ceremony of the “Voyage of Art: China-Malta Children’s Art Exchange Exhibition” was held at ZJAM. The event is jointly organized by the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism (ZPDCRTT), the Directorate for Early Years, Languages, and Humanities (DEYLH) in the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation of Malta, and the China Cultural Centre in Malta. This exchange exhibition features a total of 69 works created by young people from both countries under the themes “Exploring Zhejiang on a Maltese Luzzu”, “Exploring Malta on a Zhejiang Boat”, and “Showing You around in Zhejiang”. The exhibition will last until October 8.

Distinguished guests attending the opening ceremony included: H.E. John Busuttil, Ambassador of Malta to China; Dr. Alice Micallef, director of the DEYLH in the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation of Malta; Dr. Charmaine Zammit, officer of Art, Design and Education of the DEYLH in the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation of Malta; Chen Rufu, member of the Party Group and Deputy Director of the ZPDCRTT; Chen Yanqin, deputy director of the Department of Foreign Affairs of Zhejiang Provincial People’s Government; Sun Beilei, chief of the European Affairs Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs of Zhejiang Provincial People’s Government; Qian Cheng, deputy curator of ZJAM; Huang Shouyao, deputy curator of ZJAM; Lin Shangxing, deputy secretary of the Party Committee and Vice Principal of Hangzhou Anjilu Education Group; Shi Yan, deputy secretary of the Party Committee of Hangzhou Shengli Experimental School Education Group; Jin Ying, secretary of the Party Committee of Hangzhou Changshouqiao Education Group; and Fu Songjiu, secretary of the Party Committee and Principal of Hangzhou Wahaha Primary School, alongside representatives of teachers and students from Malta and Hangzhou who participated in the exhibition. Ying Jinfei, Curator of ZJAM, presided over the opening ceremony.

At the ceremony, H.E. John Busuttil, Ambassador of Malta to China; Mr. Chen Rufu, member of the Party Group and deputy director of the ZPDCRTT; and Dr. Alice Micallef, director of the DEYLH in the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation of Malta, delivered speeches successively. Student representatives Tian Yuxin and Anna Tkachuk then gave speeches, sharing their reflections on the creative process. Subsequently, student representatives from China and Malta jointly raised the sail of the “Voyage of Art”, symbolizing the official commencement of the exhibition.

In his speech, H.E. John Busuttil, Ambassador of Malta to China, said that “Exploring Zhejiang on a Maltese Luzzu” is not merely an art exhibition, but more importantly a cultural journey across mountains and seas, facilitating encounters between hearts spanning continents and connecting diverse cultures through art. He appreciated ZJAM for its support of this exchange exhibition and looked forward to deepening cooperation and exchanges with Zhejiang Province in future projects, such as the “2nd Malta International Biennale”.

Chen Rufu delivering a speech

Chen Rufu, member of the Party Group and Deputy Director of the ZPDCRTT, stated in his speech that this year marks the Year of Cooperation between Zhejiang Province and the China Cultural Centre in Malta. Zhejiang Province has dispatched multiple delegations to Malta to host a series of events and is poised to launch more cultural and artistic exchange activities that comprehensively showcase the charm of “Poetic and Picturesque Zhejiang” and enhance the friendship between China and Malta.

“Voyage of Art” also signifies a “Voyage of Friendship”. This exchange exhibition symbolizes the youth of Zhejiang and Malta using imagination as their vessel, advancing hand in hand and creating works together in the ocean of art. May this “Voyage of Art” continue to sail far, closely linking Zhejiang and Malta, China and the world, and witnessing the enduring and ever-growing friendship between Zhejiang and Malta.

Dr. Alice Micallef delivering a speech

Dr. Alice Micallef, director of the DEYLH in the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation of Malta, indicated in her speech that intercultural education fosters empathy, inclusiveness, and a global perspective among young people towards diverse cultures. She was happy to find that students are able to stimulate their creativity through exploration in a series of activities, including the “China-Malta Children’s Painting Competition” and deepen their understanding and appreciation of Chinese and Maltese civilizations through dialogue and exchange.

Student representative from Hangzhou Sharing her reflection on creation

Student representative from Malta Sharing her reflection on creation

Student representatives from China and Malta shared their reflections on creation. It is hoped that the “Azure Window” in the hearts of the youth from both countries will remain open forever and that the friendship between China and Malta will endure.

At the conclusion of the opening ceremony, student representatives from both countries jointly raised the theme of the exhibition, marking the moment the “Voyage of Art” set sail and the official opening of the exhibition.

Ying Jinfei, curator of ZJAM, presiding over the opening ceremony

A group photo of guests at the opening ceremony