Malta Based Artist Represents Malta at Arctic Art Festival in Finland

Mar 7 2024

Malta-based visual artist Serhat Gür has recently made waves in the international art scene by representing the island nation at the Arctic Art Festival held annually in Rovaniemi, Finland.

Gür, a freelance artist who has been residing in Malta for the past seven years, showcased his talent and creativity by sculpting a remarkable piece at the festival.

Gür’s journey to the Arctic was prompted by an invitation to participate in the prestigious festival, which this year centred around the theme of “Connecting with Nature.” Drawing inspiration from his adopted home of Malta, Gür decided to sculpt a tribute to the island’s unique wildlife—the Maltese wall lizard.

In a message to Malta Daily, Gür shared his motivations behind the choice of subject matter, stating, “Despite the challenges of migration, creating something about Malta has been a continuation of the process of strengthening my sense of belonging here.”

Working alongside his spouse, Adrianna Oramus Gür, Serhat embarked on the challenge of sculpting a creature from a warm climate in the frigid Arctic environment. Despite the unfamiliar medium of snow, the couple successfully completed their sculpture, measuring an impressive 3 meters by 3 meters, in just four days.

Reflecting on the experience, Gür remarked, “Working with snow was a first for me, but it was a lot of fun.” The couple utilised electric saws and metal chisels to bring their vision to life, creating a captivating contrast between the warm imagery of Malta and the icy backdrop of Finland.

@serhatgur_artist

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Malta 4th Best EU Country for Innovative Startups

Mar 7 2024

Malta has achieved an impressive ranking as the fourth-best European Union country for innovative startups, out of 21 countries evaluated on the European Startup Nations Alliance (ESNA) Startup Nations Standards scale. This survey conducted by ESNA places Malta in a prestigious position, surpassed only by larger nations such as Spain, France, and Belgium, highlighting its exceptional ecosystem for startups.

Remarkably, Malta stands among only ten countries that exceeded the average percentage ratings in this comprehensive analysis. The “Startup Nations Standards” consist of eight standards of excellence dedicated to supporting startups, ranging from regulatory frameworks to the ease of doing business.

Malta distinguished itself by achieving a 100% or similar rating, leading all other countries in three specific areas crucial for the growth and success of startups. These areas include the attraction and retention of new talent and showcasing Malta’s appeal as a dynamic hub for skilled individuals.

Furthermore, the use of digital tools as the primary mode of communication between startups and government entities emphasises the country’s commitment to modern and efficient administrative processes. Additionally, Malta boasts the shortest time required to register a new company, making it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs looking to swiftly kickstart their ventures.

Economy, Enterprise, and Strategic Projects Minister Silvio Schembri commented on this achievement, stating, “This result instils greater energy in our efforts to make life easier for startups in Malta.”

This acknowledgment underscores the government’s dedication to fostering a supportive environment for innovation and entrepreneurship, further solidifying Malta’s position as a leading destination for startups in the European Union.

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Social Accommodation Project In Kirkop Inaugurated

Mar 7 2024

In Kirkop, a €1.4 million social accommodation project that will house eight families was inaugurated. This project forms part of a number of social accommodation projects that will be inaugurated this year, providing families with the opportunity to begin their future under a decent roof.

These details were provided by the Minister for Social and Affordable Accommodation Roderick Galdes who asserted that this underscores the Government’s commitment to prioritising the housing sector. “The housing sector is a priority for this Government, underscored by the record of projects, initiatives, and investments already announced and those yet to be announced throughout this year,” Minister Galdes stated.

Minister Galdes concluded his address by emphasising Government’s relentless efforts in the housing sector, which have resulted in a significant increase in the allocation of social housing to numerous families while the homeownership rate rose to 82% of Malta’s population.

The building will be named after the late Charles Miceli, a pioneer who devoted himself to aiding the vulnerable and afflicted.

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Adam Sandler Was Named 2023’s Highest Paid Actor

Mar 7 2024

In a major twist to Hollywood’s payroll leaderboard, Adam Sandler emerged as the highest-paid actor of 2023, despite the buzz surrounding the year of Barbenheimer.

While both “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” films generated massive attention and were pivotal in defining cinema in 2023, it was Adam Sandler, known for his roles in “Happy Gilmore,” “Click,” “Uncut Gems,” “Grown Ups,” and numerous other hits, who clinched the top spot. According to Forbes, Sandler amassed an impressive $93 million, outpacing his contemporaries in earnings.

The achievement comes in a year marked by the success of the “Murder Mystery” series on Netflix, which recorded over 173 million hours of viewing on the platform, underscoring Sandler’s significant impact on both traditional and digital cinema landscapes.

While Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” is tipped as the frontrunner for the Oscars this weekend, the financial spotlight shone brightly on Sandler. Following closely behind Sandler in earnings were “Barbie’s” Margot Robbie in second place, Tom Cruise in third, with Ryan Gosling and Matt Damon rounding out the top five positions at fourth and fifth, respectively.

Who’s YOUR favourite actor?

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