The 8th edition of the MCAST ICA Festival celebrates the achievements of final-year students of eleven Bachelor of Arts (Honours) courses offered at MCAST’s Institute for the Creative Arts in Mosta, namely – Creative Media Production, Fashion, Fine Art, Game Art & Visual Design, Graphic Design, Interactive Media, Journalism, Performing Arts, Photography, Product, and Spatial Design. It offers a valuable platform for these students to gain exposure among stakeholders in the industry on a national and international level.
The creative process is hardly a quick, straightforward and linear one. Like other human experiences, it is a journey characterized by tension between chaos and control. Students in the creative arts understand that there is much value in the apparently chaotic aspect of creativity. The error, the glitch, disruption and disorder all contribute to decisions in the creative output, which you are invited to experience.
Held a few months after his passing, this year’s edition of the festival also commemorates master ceramist Alan Bain’s contribution to the institute. Former ICA Director Stephen Vella notes that “his commitment to fostering a community of artists, coupled with his warm and approachable demeanour, made him more than an instructor — he was a mentor and a source of inspiration…He has left an enduring impact on the Institute for the Creative Arts and the artistic community at large”.
Thanks go to all industry shareholders who have supported learners in their journeys over the years. Furthermore, special thanks go to Arts Council Malta and Spazju Kreattiv for their continuous support and contribution, and to Vibe FM for sponsoring the festival this year. Moreover, the extraordinary dedication and commitment of ICA staff and students, together with that of MCAST stakeholders, are also warmly acknowledged.