Third Edition of the Gozo Arts Weekend around the corner
This weekend, from January 26 to 28, the Gozo Arts Weekend returns for its third edition. This year’s event honours Paolo Camilleri Cauchi, a very accomplished artist from Victoria.
Born in 1940, Paulo Camilleri Cauchi is the son of renowned sculptor Agostino Camilleri and statuarian Francesca Cauchi. Having grown up in his father’s studio, Paulo was always involved in the art scene. As he grew up, he was mentored by both locally and internationally renowned artists. When he returned to the islands, he became a primary and secondary school arts teacher.
His true passion, however, was religious art, one he was able to pursue after being commissioned to decorate church vaults. Over time, Paolo started to receive more and more commissions, leading to him becoming a top artist in the area of sacred paintings. Furthermore, a multitude of private collections in Malta and abroad own his outstanding artwork. The artist has received several accolades over the years, including being bestowed with knighthood in 1968 in Ordine della Real Corona Balearica.
The artist’s work will be exhibited in several churches, which the public is welcome to visit on January 27 from 10 am to 5 pm, and on January 28 from noon to 3 pm. These venues include the Fontana parish church, St Anthony of Padua church, Għajnsielem, the Għarb basilica, the sanctuary of the Immaculate Conception in Qala, San Lawrenz parish church, the Cathedral of the Assumption and St Francis church in Victoria and the Xewkija rotunda.
The 2024 Gozo Arts Weekend will be inaugurated on Friday with a performance by soprano Marouska Attard at the St. Francis conventual church in Victoria. Then, an opening speech by Camilleri Cauchi himself, after which his exhibition will be unveiled. The classical music concert and the church displays are only a couple of the events scheduled for the weekend. A detailed programme can be found here! To close off this year’s Gozo Arts weekend, The VPA School (Gozo Visual & Performing Arts) and Camilleri Cauchi will be collaborating on an activity at Cathedral Square, at the Citadel, on January 28.
So, if you find yourself in Gozo this weekend, consider checking the Gozo Arts weekend and immerse yourself in the local arts scene. Entrance to all the events is free of charge!
