A collaboration between the Malta Community Of Illustrators [MCOI] and the Embassy of Malta in Spain celebrating the anniversary of Malta’s independence at the Real Jardín Botánico in Madrid with an event that included the inauguration of an outdoor illustration exhibition.

MCOI organised a juried art competition to find 5 Maltese artists & artworks that represent Maltese culture & identity. The 5 winners were as follows:

• Ramon Azzopardi Fiott [that’s me] – Balcón-être [from the MeliTENSION Collection]
• Karen Caruana – Blurred Boundaries
• Te fit-Tazza – Coral Lagoon
• Zack Ritchie Design – Maltesers 
• Derek Fenech / Il-Kappella – Kappella tad-Duluri

This initiative has been made possible thanks to the support of Malta Community of Illustrators , Affarijiet Barranin, Visit Malta , ERA – Environment & Resources Authority , Argotti Botanic Gardens & Resource Centre – University of Malta, Alsa & Transport Malta, Debono Group, Heritage Malta, Arts Council Malta & Pjazza Teatru Rjal .

The recieption was a wonderful affair with live music by Maltese master composer Paul Abela and his group of musicians, great food and the merry & optimistic mood that came with the pandemic starting to loosen its hold on the world.