Courage in Public Space: Participatory Mural in Qormi

As part of Refugee Week Malta, I developed a participatory public mural at Saint Ignatius College in Qormi, bringing together art, community, and social engagement. The project explores the theme of courage through the lived experiences of refugee and asylum-seeking communities.

The mural emerged from a collaborative process that began with workshops, where participants reflected on personal experiences of courage through dialogue and visual exercises. These contributions became the foundation of the final design, ensuring that the artwork is rooted in real stories, emotions, and perspectives.

The composition is structured around three main symbolic elements. The phoenix represents resilience and the ability to rebuild life after displacement and loss. A second composition reflects the role of community as a force that can restore peace and provide support in times of conflict. A third element connects migration with nature, presenting movement as a natural and inherent part of life.

The project was made possible thanks to Saint Ignatius College, which provided the wall, and with the support of Aditus Foundation as part of its 15th anniversary.

This work continues my engagement with participatory public art in Malta. It marks my second collaboration with Refugee Week Malta, following a mural completed in 2024 at the Gżira bus stop lounge.

The finished artwork remains in the public space as a lasting symbol of inclusion, diversity, and collective strength, reflecting my interest in using art as a tool for dialogue and social connection.