Malta International Contemporary Art Space Inaugurated

Dec 10 2024

Over the weekend of December 7–8, the public had the opportunity to visit the newly inaugurated Malta International Contemporary Art Space (MICAS) in Floriana. Entry was free, allowing visitors to explore the exhibition by Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos.

During a visit to the Open Weekend, Minister for National Heritage, Arts, and Local Government Owen Bonnici expressed satisfaction with the strong public turnout. He described MICAS as a landmark cultural project, integrating Malta’s historic fortifications with a mission to showcase world-class contemporary art. “The inauguration of MICAS marks a historic milestone, establishing Malta as a key hub for contemporary art and international cultural dialogue,” said Minister Bonnici.

He emphasised that the €30 million project, funded by the EU, not only fulfils an electoral pledge but also highlights the unifying power of art in society. “MICAS is a platform for Maltese, Gozitan, and international artists, fostering creativity and cultural tourism while offering a space for social cohesion.”

Visitors also viewed works by British contemporary artist Conrad Shawcross and Swiss sculptor Ugo Rondinone. The event featured guided tours, workshops, children’s art activities, traditional games, educational sessions, and live music.

Executive Chairperson Phyllis Muscat described MICAS as Malta’s newest cultural destination, reclaiming 6,000 square meters of historic landscape for art and culture. She encouraged everyone to visit and experience this revitalised space.

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Being Sarcastic Is a Sign Of Intelligence, Studies Suggest

Dec 10 2024

Sarcasm is a cognitively demanding linguistic tool that requires complex mental processes.

Studies show that understanding sarcasm activates the brain’s “mentalizing” network, which interprets others’ beliefs and intentions, as well as regions involved in humour and language processing.

Sarcasm is more mentally taxing than literal statements, underlining its sophistication.

Research indicates that children under five typically fail to detect sarcasm, interpreting statements literally. By age nine or ten, most children develop the ability to recognise sarcasm’s humorous and teasing aspects, paralleling the growth of “theory of mind”—the ability to understand another’s perspective.

This progression depends on vocabulary, grammar, social context, and subtle vocal cues. Children exposed to sarcasm at home are more likely to develop this skill early.

The cognitive effort involved in sarcasm yields surprising benefits.

In an experiment on the “Candle Problem,” participants recalling sarcastic interactions solved the problem at double the success rate (60%) compared to those recalling neutral exchanges (30%).

This suggests sarcasm enhances creative thinking. During the COVID-19 pandemic, studies found that sarcasm use increased among individuals with anxiety and depression, potentially as a coping mechanism.

These findings highlight sarcasm’s complexity and its role in fostering advanced cognitive and emotional processing in both children and adults.

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Conservation and Restoration Works Being Done On Savina Church In Victoria

Dec 10 2024

Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri visited the restoration and conservation works being carried out on the Church of the Nativity of Our Lady, known as Savina, a historic landmark in Victoria, Gozo.

The works, led by the Restoration Department within the Directorate for Cultural Heritage, involve extensive conservation efforts on the church’s interior.

Architect Ivana Farrugia is overseeing the project following thorough research and site inspections, which resulted in a detailed intervention plan aligned with conservation guidelines.

During his visit, Minister Camilleri highlighted the importance of preserving Gozo’s cultural heritage for future generations. “Savina Church is not only a religious symbol but also a vital part of Victoria’s history and identity. Every intervention is being carried out meticulously to preserve the building’s original beauty and value,” he said.

The project focuses on conserving the design by Mons. Giuseppe Farrugia (1852–1925), from the main aisle to the presbytery and dome. Works include the reattachment of plaster, restoration of openings, decorative glass, marble flooring, and the installation of a new lighting system tailored for liturgical use. The project also includes interventions on the church’s base to enhance its aesthetic.

Rector Mons. Joseph Vella Gauci expressed gratitude for the Ministry’s support, praising the project’s precision and dedication.

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University of Malta Projects Secure €400,000 to Advance Water and Energy Sustainability

Dec 10 2024

Two University of Malta projects, Teamwire and MaltaVGSS, received €400,000 through the Energy and Water Agency’s (EWA) R&I investment scheme.

Energy Minister Miriam Dalli presented the grants alongside Pro-Rector Prof. Inġ. Simon Fabri, Faculty of Science Dean Prof. Emanuel Sinagra, and Faculty of Engineering Dean Prof. Inġ. Andrew Sammut. EWA Chief Policy Officer Inġ. Charles Buttigieg also attended.

Minister Dalli stressed the importance of research and innovation for Malta’s sustainability goals, highlighting the projects’ practical solutions.

Inġ. Buttigieg commended the consistent interest in EWA’s calls, noting the potential for local research to achieve international impact. Prof. Fabri reaffirmed the University’s commitment to advancing research that addresses real-world challenges.

Teamwire, a collaboration with Italy’s Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, focuses on developing electromagnetic detection systems for underground water pipe leakage management, aiming to enhance infrastructure reliability.

MaltaVGSS, led by the University of Malta and ReEnergy Ltd, seeks to create a Virtual Grid Support Service, integrating renewable energy and battery storage systems to reduce infrastructure strain.

Since 2020, the R&I scheme has invested over €2 million in 15 projects tackling energy and water challenges, reinforcing Malta’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

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