First-hand account of our interns at the Malta Pavilion in Venice Arts Council Malta, the commissioner of the Malta Pavilion at the Venice Art Biennale, where Malta is being represented by artist Matthew Attard and his innovative project, "I Will Follow the Ship," has invited Erasmus students from the University of Malta and MCAST, currently interning at the Malta Pavilion, to outline their experiences of working at the prestigious and largest international art exhibition at the Venice Art Biennale and how it has guided their studies and career aspirations. These personal blogs offer a first-hand account of their time in Venice. Read more below:
Blog 1 - Michelle Gialanze Ph.d
Memories have been formed in Venice, postcards have been created... time to reflect on what has happened whilst I was working as an Erasmus intern for the Malta Pavilion at the Venice Art Biennale, commissioned by Arts Council Malta.
Venice, I found myself immersed in a world where art, culture, and new connections converged in an exhilarating dance. It is definitely the Mecca of Art. One of the most memorable aspects of my experience at the Biennale was the opportunity to engage with artists from around the world. Through panel discussions, artist talks, and collaborative projects, I found myself surrounded by a diverse community of creatives who shared a passion for art and a thirst for exploration.
As I navigated the bustling streets and crowded galleries in Venice, I was struck by the power of art to transcend language and cultural barriers. Conversations sparked by a shared appreciation for a particular piece or a heated debate over a controversial installation led to unexpected connections and friendships that spanned continents.
One of the highlights of my time in Venice was stumbling upon a small, intimate exhibition tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. There, I met a young artist whose work spoke to me on a deeply personal level. We struck up a conversation that lasted for hours, delving into the intricacies of art, life, and the human experience. By the end of our encounter, we had exchanged contact information and made plans to collaborate on a future project.
In addition to forging new connections with artists, I also had the opportunity to engage with curators, collectors, and art enthusiasts who shared my passion for creativity and innovation. Networking events and social gatherings provided the perfect backdrop for meaningful conversations and the exchange of ideas, leading to new opportunities and avenues for growth.
As I bid farewell to Venice and the Biennale, I carried with me a newfound appreciation for the power of art to unite, inspire, and transform. The connections I made and the experiences I had during my time in this enchanting city will forever hold a special place in my heart, serving as a reminder of the boundless possibilities that emerge when we open ourselves up to the world of art and creativity.
Venice, with its timeless beauty and vibrant artistic scene, will always be a beacon of inspiration for me—a place where art and connections intertwine to create magic in the most unexpected of ways.
Blog 2 - Yana Bugelli
My experience at the Malta Pavilion at La Biennale di Venezia, commissioned by Arts Council Malta exceeded all my expectations.
To begin with, spending each day in such an incredible space is nothing short of a privilege. Living in Venice, being surrounded by art, and meeting fascinating people from all over the world can only leave you feeling inspired.
Our main tasks included opening and closing the exhibition, providing explanations when necessary, and ensuring that no damages occurred. However, our experience extended far beyond these duties. On any given day, you might be fortunate enough to meet people from all walks of life, including respected curators and artists. The opportunity to converse with these individuals is invaluable.
I’m also incredibly grateful for the conversations I had with the site officers and fellow interns. We all came from different backgrounds with different goals, but we shared a strong ambition. The bonds I’ve formed here are ones that I’m sure will last a lifetime. Before this internship, I had never been to Venice and had only heard about the Biennale through what I could find online.
Today, I plan to make it a tradition to visit every two years. If it weren’t for this opportunity, I might never have gone to the Biennale in the first place, and I certainly wouldn’t have had the chance to gain such a hands-on experience so early in my career.
Along with the heartfelt memories, I plan on carrying the skills I've gained into future projects.
Blog 3 - Damaia Cassar
The time I spent working at the Biennale was an invaluable experience that I could not have gained in Malta.
This opportunity significantly improved my social skills, which were not very strong before. I enjoyed meeting new people and interacting with visitors, especially when they had questions. It was fascinating to learn about the pavilion, and I took great pleasure in explaining it to those who came by.
During my work hours, I stayed productive, diligently completing the tasks assigned to me. When my responsibilities were fulfilled, I often took the chance to explore more of the pavilion, deepening my understanding and appreciation of the exhibition. My time in Venice was thoroughly enjoyable.
I made the most of my free time by exploring the city’s rich culture, visiting museums, exhibitions, and various landmarks. I also managed to travel outside of Venice to nearby places with some of the other interns, which added to the richness of my experience. This journey allowed me to immerse myself fully in the art and history of the region, making it an unforgettable experience.
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work at the Malta Pavilion at the Venice Art Biennale,commissioned by Arts Council Malta. It has broadened my horizons both professionally and personally, and I will always cherish the memories and lessons learned during my time in Venice.
Blog 4 - Marianne Camilleri
I was incredibly fortunate to have experienced such a beautiful and unique opportunity at the Venice Biennale, particularly at the Malta Pavilion commisisoned by Arts Council Malta.
This experience allowed me to engage with the art world in a new and fascinating way, broadening my knowledge of contemporary art, and deepening my understanding of its various aspects. The experience not only helped me grow as an artist but also inspired me on multiple levels.
I had the chance to meet intriguing artists and gain insight into their perspectives and viewpoints on art, as well as building meaningful connections with them.
This exposure made me more open-minded, enabling me to appreciate the world from different perspectives and teaching me to enjoy and love art without the need to overanalyse it.
Additionally, the experience significantly improved my communication skills, both with people and my colleagues, leading to the formation of enduring relationships. I enjoyed the diverse opinions and knowledge shared by those I met, which enriched my understanding of art and its connections to life.
In the end, I was truly happy to be part of this journey, as it transformed many aspects of my life. It changed the way I view art, expanded my imagination, and inspired me deeply.
Ultimately, the opportunity to immerse myself in such a wonderful, artistic city like Venice was the perfect conclusion to this transformative experience, leaving me with a renewed sense of creativity and a deeper connection to the world of art.
Blog 5 - Roxane della Faille
My internship with the Malta Pavilion at the Biennale di Venezia, Commissioned by Arts Council Malta, offered invaluable insights. Working as an exhibition assistant not only allowed me to gain practical experience in the realm of major-scale exhibitions, but also led me to gain a certain knowledge of the inner workings of such displays. Through the Biennale, I was able to take a more proactive stance towards the international art milieu.
Days at the internship would include tasks ranging from writing content for the exhibition’s social media page, to giving tours to visitors interested in learning about the display. Whilst the former helped me better understand the work that goes into making social media posts appealing to a prospective audience, performing the tours taught me the various ways I could present the artwork according to the visitor’s expectations, thereby allowing me to enrich the knowledge I learned in my course through its concrete application in a real scenario.
The professional aspect of the internship was most rewarding, yet I should mention how the environment contributed to it. Finding myself in Venice, surrounded by art and art-centred events was tremendously fulfilling. And above all, having fellow interns within the artistic sphere made for interesting conversations around art and the installation itself. These allowed for a deeper comprehension of how individuals, each with different experiences, may regard the artistic process in unique ways.
Working at the Malta pavilion was an opportunity from which I come out equipped with many new skills and realisations, which will certainly benefit me in my future enterprises within the contemporary art world.
Blog 6 - Anastasia B. Vidovič
This year I was one of the interns participating and working at the Maltese pavilion at the Venice Biennale, Commissioned by Arts Council Malta. As I am not coming from the arts field and am studying psychology, this experience was something completely new to me.
I always had an interest in the arts and personally see a connection in psychology and creativity, especially how it now resonates in contemporary art. Whilst working at the Biennale I started understanding more about the art world and the people who have their interests in it, and decided to dedicate their life to it. I also got to see how many people and the different types of people from all over the world, come to Venice to see the exhibition.
The amount of art at the Biennale is absolutely overwhelming, in the best positive way. To think that people have only a day or maybe few days to see it and take it all in, while I had months for it, makes me appreciate iteven more.
I got to talk to tourists, artists, collectors and art enthusiasts, about a variety of topics not only art and creativity. And it is that which helped me most in gaining more confidence when it comes to expressing myself, and realising that coming from a different educational field can be an advantage.
Blog 7 - Marta Baldacchino
My Experience as an Intern of the Malta Pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2024
This summer, I had the opportunity to be an intern at the Malta Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, 2024 for two months between August and September. It was Commissioned by Arts Council Malta.
My time in Venice was amazing in terms of me experiencing the different types of art that was and still is produced. The first thing that I thought about when entering the pavilion before my first shift was about how fascinating it was, and other visitors shared the same sentiment. What I liked the most about it is how Matthew Attard manages to merge the old with the new in an engaging concept using eye-tracking technology.
Working at the pavilion allowed me to see the different attitudes one could take about an artwork.
One of the reactions people had been asking the question ‘Is it tracking my eyes?’, which allowed for a discussion on eye tracking technology, and its role within the production of the artwork. Some, mostly children, would sit down in front of the large screen for minutes on end, watching the ships as they moved across the ocean.
Wanting to become an artist myself, working at the Biennale taught me how to view and speak about contemporary art in a way which is informative and engaging with the audience. The exploration of the biennale itself taught me how different unconventional media and ideas could be applied to my own artistic practices.
Blog 8 - Martina Farrugia
Spending my summer being an intern in the Malta Pavilion at La Biennale di Venezia, commissioned by Arts Council Malta, has been an inspiring experience, after all, it is not every day where you are surrounded by some of the most beautiful art works in the world.
On a typical day at the Arsenale, I would help guests with any questions they may have, explaining and conversing with them about Matthew Attard’s exhibition.
I met many people, from philosophers to engineers, who have engaged with the artwork and have given their own unique perspective of it. This work is a true merge of historical and contemporary concepts, making use of modern technology to create a new perspective on the 16th century ship engravings.
This has made me think about how it can be applied in the theatre space, my primary focus of education, and how we can use modern technologies, and its potential, to bring classical theatre works in a contemporary light while still being able to connect it to the source material. In this case therefore, I am not talking about the story, but rather how it is presented and directed.
Overall, my experience has been a fruitful one, greatly expanding my knowledge on contemporary art and its connections to our past.
Blog 9 - Sarah Cilia
The theme for La Biennale di Venezia 2024, foreigners everywhere, resonated deeply with me as I navigated Venice’s vibrant streets on my way to work. The phrase echoed in my mind and in the diversity of people who made their way to the Arsenale. Visitors from all corners of the world converged, many making the Malta Pavilion a meaningful stop along their journey.
Curious visitors stopped to ask questions, which I was more than happy to answer. Some were caught in deep contemplation, others mesmerised by the glittering screens depicting past, present, and future. Many eagerly participated in the collaboration, drawing their own ships, while others sailed past, interested in a different destination.
For me, the internship was a voyage of discovery, providing the opportunity not only to immerse myself in the Malta Pavilion but also to explore the work of other pavilions, where diverse cultures and interpretations of the Biennale’s theme came to life.
This journey has transformed how I see art, offering me a new perspective on the world and serving as a vital source of inspiration for my digital arts research. I hold my time here dearly, as it has helped me grow both as an artist and as a person, leaving me excited for the next voyage ahead.
Sarah Cilia - Intern at the Malta Pavilion - September - November 2024.
Blog 10 - Martina Psaila
My internship as an exhibition assistant at the Malta Pavilion at La Biennale di Venezia 2024 was an invaluable experience that deepened my understanding of contemporary art, especially as someone from my background in architecture. At the Arsenale, my role involved welcoming guests and VIPs, leading tailored tours, and providing insights into the artist’s work. We aimed to foster a meaningful connection between visitors and the pavilion's vision by highlighting each piece's intricacies and themes.
Throughout the internship, I engaged in enlightening discussions with artists, visitors, and fellow interns about the exhibits. These conversations often extended beyond art, delving into topics like politics, culture, philosophy, and religion, and demonstrating how these themes can find unique expression in contemporary art. This creative energy wasn’t limited to the pavilion; I also found inspiration in Venice’s distinctive architecture and vibrant art galleries scattered across the city.
Immersion in such a dynamic community taught me the dedication required to manage and maintain a national pavilion. The experience enhanced my public speaking, team collaboration, and visitor engagement skills, bolstering my self-confidence and trust in my instincts. Furthermore, this opportunity broadened my career outlook, inspiring me to consider curation as a potential path alongside architecture. It was an honour to contribute to such an exciting project, and I am eager to continue building on the skills I acquired through this internship.
Martina Psaila - Intern at Malta Pavilion - September - November 2024.
Blog Post 11 - Martina Fava
Interning at the Venice Biennale has proven to be nothing short of a fulfilling experience. Despite it being daunting at first to embark on a new adventure far from home, I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Apart from experiencing Venice like a local and being able to immerse myself in the language, culture and cuisine, the internship itself was a unique opportunity that helped me grow both professionally and personally.
My highlight was interacting with people from all over the world as they visited the pavilion, shared their thoughts and asked questions.
It was truly insightful to witness and meet people of all ages and nationalities come together to share their own interpretations and discuss. Whilst being on site and giving tours of the pavilion, we also had other responsibilities such as creating social media content; this enabled us interns to work closely with each other as well as with the site officers, allowing us to meet other people in the field as well as create lasting friendships.
From being surrounded by the rich culture and art to meeting and engaging with talented individuals, this internship and all that came with it has taught me a lot - not just about the industry but even about myself, assuring me that the artistic sector is definitely the right place for me.
ERASMUS+ Traineeship at the National Pavilion of Malta - La Biennale di Venezia 2024
Are you a University of Malta student with a passion for Contemporary Art? Would you like to spend a minimum of two months in Venice assisting in the running of the Malta Pavilion at the International Art Exhibition - La Biennale di Venezia between April and November 2024?
ERASMUS+ application forms for Student Traineeship Mobilities are available from the University of Malta International Office webpage.
Who Is eligible to apply?
Registered UM students. Students who are in their final year of study may also apply to undertake a traineeship mobility within the following year of their graduation.
How do I apply for an Erasmus+ Grant?
Students interested in applying for a traineeship are to submit the Erasmus+ application form online. The deadline to apply is Wednesday 31st January 2024.
Information on Erasmus+ Opportunities may be found here: https://www.um.edu.mt/studentlife/internationalopportunities/erasmus/umstudents/
The application form may be found here: https://forms.gle/o7nw9T4S2qWHVSmE8
Students’ Erasmus+ Application forms will be placed on a reserve list until students are able to submit an endorsement letter issued by Arts Council Malta. The endorsement letter needs to indicate the exact start and end dates of the traineeship mobility period. It must be issued on a letterhead and must also be signed and stamped by Arts Council Malta. Kindly ensure that the minimum required duration of two months is satisfied. To obtain the endorsement letter from Arts Council Malta, send us an email to nikki.petroni.1@artscouncil.mt.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact the International Office at the University of Malta for further details.
For more information on the Malta Pavilion have a look Malta Pavilion at the Biennale Arte 2024
Detailed programme of the traineeship
Students will get a hands-on experience overseeing the daily operations of the Malta Pavilion at the 60th International Art Exhibition of la Biennale di Venezia, the biggest contemporary art biennale in the world, while being immersed in the cultural and artistic life of the city of Venice. The traineeship at the Biennale di Venezia is aimed at enabling the student to engage fluently with the content of the exhibition in Venice. The Biennale di Venezia has been operating since 1895 and most of the famous international contemporary artists and curators exhibit there. The student will get a very clear understanding of what is involved in the running of a National Pavilion at such a big international art event. The student's main tasks will involve assisting the site officers and the curator in the day to day running of the Malta Pavilion, within an international context. To foster cultural exchange and enhance the trainee’s local experience in Venice, the foreign site officers will also be art students, studying contemporary art and arts management. The site officers will be working side-by-side with the students at the Malta Pavilion. This allows further engagement with Italian customs, language and knowledge. The trainee will also have the opportunity to network with the other international site officers, interns and artists of the other international Pavilions at the Biennale di Venezia. The student will also have the opportunity to meet the international curators and artists taking part in the exhibitions. Tasks at the Malta Pavilion include assisting the site officers at the Malta Pavilion during opening hours to the public, assisting visitors, presenting the exhibition to them and giving guided tours. Trainees assist in the daily operation of the exhibition approximately four full days a week. They prepare the pavilion prior to the opening, guard the exhibition, answer questions from the public and close the pavilion at the end of the day. The trainee will be helping in the communication of the Pavilion, as thousands of international visitors attend the Biennale in Venice, and the trainees are expected to provide information about the participating artists and the objects exhibited at the Malta Pavilion, as well as explain the concept of the curators to the visitors. They will also be taking note of the international press and media and providing them with information and material should they request this. The trainee shall assist the site officers in administration, social media, PR, conduct tours for groups of the exhibition, and assist in record keeping.
Knowledge, skills and competences to be acquired by the end of the traineeship (expected Learning Outcomes)
This traineeship is a learning experience for all who take part, allowing students to gain practical experience of exhibition operations, familiarising themselves with the biggest contemporary art biennale in the world. After the internship the student should have a good understanding of the running of a National Pavilion of such a large international scale and should learn how to communicate contemporary visual art to an international audience. Since they will be exposed to the latest trends in the international contemporary art scene, they will be able to use this in their own artistic work.
They should have also a very good understanding of how the art scene works “behind the scenes”, the organisation, co-ordination and the management involved. They will gain insight on the outcome of the intense research process undertaken by the curators, program development, art administration, PR, installation experience and exhibition making.
Monitoring plan
Daily monitoring will be carried out by the site officers working at the Malta Pavilion at the Venice Biennale.
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