ASinMalta - Enriching life through the Arts
If you have been on the lookout for an organization in Malta that provides a platform conducive to discover and learn more about the arts in a relaxed environment, look no further than ASinMalta. Formerly the Decorative and Fine Arts Society in Malta (DFASinMalta), it has recently been rebranded as ASinMalta (Arts Society in Malta), following the example of The Arts Society UK of which it is an affiliate.
The Arts Society, with its headquarters in London, is a leading arts education charity that not only promotes the study of fine arts but also an awareness of international cultural heritage. It was founded in 1968 as NADFAS (The National Association of the Decorative and Fine Arts Societies) and has over the years inspired a network of over 380 societies globally, cementing its commitment to diversity and the promotion of an inclusive environment. The rebranding exercise was deemed necessary to open up the Arts Society to an even wider base and to let the name reflect the rich variety of its lecture programme.
Today it not only covers decorative and fine arts, but also architecture, literature and music, as well as history. History not just of art itself, but also of the people associated with the world of arts, their fascinating stories and their influences on the creatives whose work they encouraged or inspired.
ASinMalta was set up in 2015 and started its first lecture season in October of the same year. During each season, which ends in June, six lectures are given by competent and entertaining lecturers who share their knowledge about their field of expertise.
I joined the local society two years ago through the recommendation of a friend and have been enjoying informative, often humorous, lectures during the last two seasons. The subjects are so diverse that there is something for everyone, no matter where your passion lies in the world of arts.
There have been talks on music as well as literature - I recall a particularly interesting lecture on the life of Lord Byron for example. We have learnt about Catherine the Great and how she brought about the Golden Age in Russia; and we were introduced to the effervescent Misia Sert, a muse and patron of the arts in early 20th century Paris. There has been a lecture on the conservation of paintings, touching on the more practical side of the art world. Another lecture, intriguingly entitled “The Boy who bit Picasso”, was delivered as an entertaining insight into the lecturer’s family life that brought with it the privilege of meeting Picasso on several occasions.
One of my favourites was a talk on Orientalism, Chinoiserie and Japonism by Suzanne Perrin who gave us an overview of these art movements. She added a special touch to her presentation by displaying an array of oriental fabrics, and at the end of her talk encouraged us to decide on the provenance of the various patterned materials by drawing on the information she had just presented to us.
Another attractive display was the one accompanying the lecture by the renowned jewellery expert Andrew Prince which was entitled “From Downton to Gatsby - Jewellery & Fashion from 1890 to 1929”. He brought with him costume jewellery and tiaras that he had designed for the TV series Downton Abbey.
Last January we benefited from an additional lecture on Baroque music, given by Sandy Burnett, an accomplished musician and conductor as well as broadcaster, which was organised in collaboration with the Valletta International Baroque Festival at the Manoel Theatre before one of the concerts.
Apart from lectures ASinMalta also organises so-called ‘study days’; full day workshops that members can attend against a small participation fee. On one such occasion the Society invited Marc Allum from the BBC's Antiques Roadshow. He shared his knowledge and expertise with the participants who also had the opportunity to bring in their own antique treasures and have them appraised during the course of the workshop.
In line with ASinMalta’s objective of promoting and supporting Malta’s national heritage, the society has provided funds for conservation purposes to both Notarial and National Archives as well as the School of Art. It has assisted in an art project for youths and organized an exhibition of portraits at the National Library.
The financing of these projects is secured by membership fees and by art book raffles that are held during each event. ASinMalta also benefits from the support of its local sponsor, Blevins Franks.
So what are the lectures to look forward to in the coming season? Well, the first lecture titled "The Beatles and their artists" was held already at the beginning of October and led the audience on a ‘journey through the 60s in music and images’; the coming lecture on November 14 will discuss public art, and the January talk will be about the fashion of the house of Dior. One of the more intriguing lectures will definitely be on ‘Winston Churchill - the artist’, whereas a more traditional art talk will focus on Matisse. The series will be concluded with a talk on architecture in late May.
If you love the arts I think there is no better way to further your knowledge than attending a series of lectures in a convivial environment. After all, which other educational establishment gives you the opportunity to catch up with friends over a glass of wine once you enter the lecture room?
Lectures are usually held on Thursdays at 6.30 pm at the Salini Resort in St. Paul’s Bay (with ample parking facilities and a choice of two restaurants for dinner afterwards).
For membership enquiries please contact Nicole Stilon via maltadfas@gmail.com.
The annual subscription fee is €50 for a single member and €85 for joint membership.
Membership also entitles you to receive a quarterly magazine published by The Arts Society London.
Non-members are welcome to attend lectures; the fee is €15 per lecture and a seat will have to be reserved by sending an email to the above address.
reserved by sending an email to the