Unveiling the Canvas of Identity: Lecture Series at St John’s Co-Cathedral

Imagine standing in the heart of Valletta, the sun casting a warm glow on the grand façade of St John’s Co-Cathedral. Now, picture yourself not just admiring its architectural splendor, but delving into the very soul of its art, memory, and identity. This is precisely what the new lecture series, ‘Art, Memory, and Identity in Malta’s Cultural Heritage’, promises to deliver.

Art Unveiled: A Journey Through Time

The series, organized by the St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation and the University of Malta, takes you on a journey through Malta’s rich history and cultural heritage, with a particular focus on the art and architecture that adorn the Co-Cathedral itself. From the ornate decorations of the Oratory to the intricate tapestries of the Sacristy, each lecture peels back the layers of history to reveal the stories behind these masterpieces.

Kicking off the series is Dr. Kenneth Cassar, an art historian who has spent years unraveling the mysteries of Malta’s artistic heritage. His first lecture, ‘The Art of the Co-Cathedral: A Historical Overview’, promises to provide a comprehensive introduction to the art and architecture that make St John’s Co-Cathedral one of Malta’s most iconic landmarks.

Memory and Identity: The Threads That Bind

But this lecture series is about more than just art appreciation. It’s about understanding the role that art plays in shaping our collective memory and identity. Each lecture explores how the art and architecture of the Co-Cathedral reflect the values, beliefs, and experiences of the people who created it, and how it continues to shape our understanding of ourselves today.

Take, for instance, the lecture ‘Memory and the Making of Maltese Identity’ by Dr. Nadia Theuma. She will look the ways in which Malta’s historical experiences, from the Knights of St John to the Great Siege, have been preserved and interpreted through art and architecture, and how these interpretations have helped to forge a distinct Maltese identity.

A Dialogue with the Past: Engaging with the Lectures

The lectures are more than just academic discussions. They are opportunities to engage in a dialogue with the past, to ask questions, and to challenge our understanding of Malta’s cultural heritage. Each lecture is followed by a Q&A session, giving attendees the chance to interact with the speakers and explore the themes in more depth.

the lectures are not just for art historians or academics. They are for anyone who wants to understand Malta’s past and its present a little better. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply someone who loves exploring the rich mix Maltese culture, there’s something in this lecture series for you.

So, as you stroll along Republic Street, pause for a moment in front of St John’s Co-Cathedral. Look beyond its grandeur, and imagine the stories it could tell. Then, join us for the ‘Art, Memory, and Identity in Malta’s Cultural Heritage’ lecture series, and let’s start listening.