McDonald’s Is Dropping A CROCS Collaboration

Oct 31 2023

McDonald’s, known for its collaborations with lifestyle and apparel brands, has recently teamed up with Japanese label graniph for a merchandise collection. Now, they’re unveiling a new collaboration with Crocs, set to launch later this week. This partnership will give the classic Crocs silhouettes a unique twist, incorporating McDonald’s beloved mascots.

The collection features various color options, with the Classic Clog sporting the iconic red, yellow, and white color scheme. These may also come with special McDonald’s Jibbitz like the fries container featuring the “M” branding.

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Additionally, there’s a “Birdie” version in yellow, a black and white design paying homage to the Hamburglar, and a Cozzzy Slide in regal purple, dedicated to the Grimace. Jibbitz charms of these iconic mascots will be available for purchase, allowing individuals to personalize their McDonald’s x Crocs footwear.

The McDonald’s x Crocs collection is set to be released on November 2, 2023, with prices ranging from $70 to $75 USD. It will be available at select retailers and online on the Crocs website.

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Two Youths Arrested For Stealing Car In Ħamrun

Oct 31 2023

Two youths have been arrested by police after they allegedly stole a vehicle in Ħamrun.

The theft reportedly took place last Sunday, at around 2320hrs. As police officials were carrying out a typical locality surveillance in Triq il-Kbira San Ġużepp, Santa Venera, they noticed a Volkswagen Polo with two suspicious individuals inside.

The police stopped the car, with the driver resulting in not having a valid driver’s license.

Further investigations showed that the vehicle had been stolen a few hours prior from Triq Brighella, Ħamrun.

The two youths were arrested and taken to the Floriana Lock Up for further investigations. The youth are expected to appear in court today at 1100hrs.

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Business Owners Express Concerns Over Malta’s Direction

Oct 31 2023

According to a recent survey conducted by the Chamber of SMEs in Malta, a significant number of small business owners in the country hold a pessimistic view regarding the nation’s current trajectory.

The survey, which garnered 423 responses from businesses employing up to 250 people, was conducted through an online platform by MISCO between October 11 and October 20.

The results indicate that 80% of respondents believe that Malta is moving in the wrong direction, marking a notable increase of 16 percentage points since the same question was asked in the second quarter of the year.

Among the top concerns expressed by the survey respondents, employee shortages ranked as the most pressing issue, followed closely by increasing inflation and unfair competition.

When questioned about the most critical issues facing the country that the government should address, nearly 40% of business owners cited corruption levels and the lack of good governance as their primary concerns.

The survey also revealed that concerns about overpopulation were closely linked to perceived abuses within the system.

The survey results pointed to a prevailing sense of uncertainty within the country, which is discouraging business owners from making further investments.

Nearly 60% of respondents expressed uncertainty about the prospects for investment in the coming year, with 35% believing that the environment for investment will remain unfavourable.

Only slightly more than 15% of businesses indicated their willingness to expand their investments.

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MICAS Inaugurates its First Art Exhibition During the International Art Weekend 2023

Oct 31 2023

The Malta International Contemporary Art Space (MICAS) reached a significant milestone in its journey by inaugurating its first art exhibition, “What is to become is already here,” by the renowned British contemporary artist, Conrad Shawcross, right on the MICAS site. The event unfolded against the backdrop of the historic military architecture of the Ospizio, marking the launch of the fifth edition of the MICAS International Art Weekend in 2023.

In his speech at the inauguration, Minister for National Heritage, Arts, and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, lauded the transformation of a large area of land in Floriana. Once abandoned and inaccessible, this area, now home to MICAS, is being returned to the public through culture. Minister Bonnici emphasized that the project is well underway, with an expected completion and inauguration in 2024.

“This exhibition allows us to admire not only excellent art within the spaces of the MICAS site, but also the spaces themselves, which are equally impressive,” Minister Bonnici expressed. “The Government’s substantial investment in cultural infrastructure strengthens our cultural sector and makes historical heritage and art more accessible to the public. Additionally, it opens doors to new international relationships and creates a unique cultural tourist market.”

Phyllis Muscat, the Chairperson of MICAS, shared her vision for the entity, which aims to develop a strong and diverse international program, showcasing exceptional contemporary art and artists. She explained that MICAS has made significant progress this year, thanks to investments from the European Funds for Regional Development and national funds, with gallery construction progressing rapidly. “We look forward to officially opening MICAS next year,” said Mrs. Muscat.

Conrad Shawcross, the contemporary artist behind the exhibition, recalled his initial visit to Malta as a guest of MICAS, highlighting the immediate connection he felt with Malta’s history and geography. In his speech, Shawcross detailed how he drew inspiration from the MICAS site’s unique location, its historical significance, proximity to the sea and marina, and the breathtaking views from its elevated floors.

MICAS worked closely with Shawcross to curate the exhibition, featuring his artworks throughout the site. “What is to become is already here” comprises three distinct bodies of work and alludes to the essence of MICAS itself – a prelude to the future as it readies for its official opening while existing within the historical fortifications that have stood for centuries.

MICAS further enhanced its contemporary art collection with the acquisition of “The Dappled Light of the Sun (Formation I)” by Conrad Shawcross. This striking structure, composed of around 1,600 tetrahedrons, was inspired by the perpetual motion of the natural world. It will join the works of Ugo Rondinone and Cristina Iglesias in the MICAS permanent collection, aligning with MICAS’ mission to democratize art and ensure that these masterpieces are accessible to all.

The Creative Committee of MICAS, led by Edith Devaney, collaborated closely with the artist to transform this event into reality. The result is a collection of Conrad Shawcross’s works that interact with and explore the historical landscape of the Ospizio.

The MICAS International Art Weekend 2023 attracted a remarkable international audience and continued with a lecture by the renowned American Director of Museums, Timothy Rub. The lecture centered on the responsibility of museums to support continuity and change, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Artistic Director Edith Devaney. The panel included Timothy Rub, Waqas Wajahat, Conrad Shawcross, and Dr. Georgina Portelli. The weekend’s events demonstrated MICAS’s commitment to promoting contemporary art and fostering international connections within the art world.

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