At the heart of this year’s festival is the From Illustration to Book exhibition, a continued collaboration between the National Book Council (NBC) and Arts Council Malta (ACM). This exhibition delves into the creative journey behind book illustration, broadening perspectives and highlighting the diverse artistry involved.
For the first time, the section ‘Illustration Today’ has opened its doors to international submissions through the EUNIC network, adding a rich diversity of creative voices. A new section titled ‘From Idea to Illustration’ will feature sketches and preliminary drawings, offering audiences a rare look into the early stages of illustration and the evolution of visual storytelling.
A special exhibition of book cover designs organized by the Malta Community of Illustrators (MCOI) in collaboration with the Centre for Environmental Education & Research (University of Malta), with support from ACM, NBC and Gutenberg Press, will also be showcased. This year’s covers focus on the theme of sustainability, with artists imagining what Malta could look like in 20 years if every environmental choice, decision, and policy was made responsibly. This vision of a sustainable future highlights the role of art and literature in driving social and environmental change. Selections from the MCOI’s Illustration Annual 2024 will also be featured in From Illustration to Book.
The ‘Artist Spotlight’ section will honour Maltese illustrators Frank Schembri and Moira Zahra, celebrating their influential styles and contributions to the local illustration scene.
Nikki Petroni, Education and Development Executive at Arts Council Malta, expressed ACM’s pride in collaborating with NBC on the From Illustration to Book* exhibition, reaffirming ACM’s commitment to providing artists with opportunities for their work to be celebrated. “As ACM, we strive to give artists each and every possible opportunity for their work to be appreciated, highlighting a priority in Strategy2025 for wider arts appreciation,” Petroni remarked.
“The NBC is thrilled to present yet another edition of the From Illustration to Book Exhibition, which has now become a key focal point of the Malta Book Festival,” NBC Executive Chairman Mark Camilleri said. “Not only does the exhibition give an undeniable visual boost to the experience of the Festival, it also stands as a commitment towards honouring all of the artists that enhance our literary product. Crucially, it’s also a clear example of the benefits that come about when two entities like NBC and ACM cooperated towards a common goal,” Camilleri said.
As the central feature of the Malta Book Festival 2024, the From Illustration to Book exhibition exemplifies the festival’s role in celebrating the intersection of literature, visual art, and culture. This annual event remains a vital part of the Maltese cultural calendar, supporting artistic growth, fostering a love of reading, and encouraging audiences to explore the many forms that storytelling can take.
For the complete programme and the latest updates, please visit www.artscouncil.mt , the NBC website or follow the Malta Book Festival 2024 Facebook page.
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