PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND PUBLIC CLEANLINESS ‘Young Artists Big Impact’ art exhibition showcases children’s creative vision for a sustainable future

Children from across Malta are using art to advocate for the environment as part of the ‘Young Artists Big Impact’ Children’s Art Expo held at Spazju Kreattiv. 

This initiative, organised by the Sustainable Development Directorate within the Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness, places the voices of children at the heart of sustainability. Through art, song, literature, sculpture, and videography, primary school students across Malta have shared their vision.

During a visit to the exhibition, the Minister for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness Miriam Dalli, met with the young artists and expressed her admiration for the children’s creativity and awareness. “These works of art are a reflection of talent, and a demonstration of the values and ideas our children hold dear. Through art, they are expressing a call for action, emphasising the importance of building a future that is fairer and greener,” stated the minister.

Open to students in Years 4 to 6, the art exhibition received a total of 247 submissions from 14 schools across Malta. Each submission reflects the students’ understanding of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a strong focus on environmental stewardship and social wellbeing. The call for participation was coordinated through the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research, and Innovation.

The participating schools included: De La Salle Junior (Birgu), St Benedict’s Primary (Ħal Għaxaq), Maria Regina (Qawra), St Margaret Primary (Senglea), St Clare Primary (Pembroke), St Clare Primary (Gzira), St Clare Primary (San Ġwann), St Edward’s Junior (Birgu), St Francis Primary (Birkirkara), St Joseph Junior (Sliema), St Margerita Primary (Żabbar), St Michael Junior (Pembroke), St Monica Primary (Gżira), and St Nicholas Primary (Dingli).

The ‘Young Artists Big Impact’ exhibition follows the national conference on Malta’s second Voluntary National Review (VNR) of the SDGs, held earlier this week. The conference brought together government officials, private sector leaders, academics, and civil society to evaluate Malta’s progress toward the 2030 Agenda. During the same event, the Ministry launched the Sustainable Development Action Awards, recognising initiatives that are making a difference across the country.

Francine Pace Caruana, Director for Sustainable Development within the same ministry said that these initiatives reflect a whole-of-society commitment to sustainability, where children are not only included but also seen as active participants in shaping Malta’s future.

The exhibition will run at Spazju Kreattiv from Thursday, 3rd July to Sunday, 6th July. Weekday opening hours are 09:00 to 21:00, and weekend hours are 10:00 to 21:00. Families, educators, and the public are invited to visit and be inspired by the powerful messages conveyed through the children’s work.