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Programme
The first route of the museum ship will be the Mediterranean, an area of millennia of history and exchange, which has always mobilized and nourished the inspiration of artists, and naturally invites intercultural dialogue.
Discover the programme of activities on the quayside and in the towns: performances, concerts, conferences, screenings, workshops, meetings and other events.
Upcoming events
The ugly all
Expect a multisensory experience that will have the whole family laughing and shivering at the same time. A silent conversation about the power of creativity in the 21st century, disguised as a puppet show. Giant puppets, experimental dance, and group exercises come together to offer you a nonsensical story whose sole purpose is to navigate the complex labyrinth of the mind with a feather and tickle your soul. Accompanied and fused with Bartira's sound universe, she will use her ever-expanding sound bank to create an immersive sound environment live.
Stories from the Periphery, told by Silvia Albert Sopale and Kouyate Ansoumane
A collection of stories from diverse origins, told to broaden perspectives, open hearts, and bring souls closer together. All of these stories share a common thread: the presence of Afro-descendant people as protagonists. Brave, resilient, and joyful individuals who serve as mirrors for us to reflect on and imagine our own lives.
Migrating is not a crime
Top Manta proposes an afternoon of conversation, workshops and music to talk about the Mediterranean as a border, not as a tourist postcard. Based on the migrant experience, and from screen printing and sewing with recycled African fabrics, the proposal connects culture, anti-racism and social and solidarity economy to defend decent work and life without borders.
My continent of Africa, Beware the vampires قارتي أفريقيا، احذري مصاصي الدماء
The show takes its title from a song by Ibrahim Hesnawi, a Libyan reggae pioneer who started a musical movement that suffered political violence after Gaddafi's "Cultural Revolution" in the 1970s, when music was produced exclusively to serve the ideological propaganda of the state. The collaboration between Libyan artists Tewa Barnosa and boo.m is a sonic quest to explore reggae as a site of resistance in a time when pan-African solidarity is eclipsed and punished by imperial systems.
mebrat / መብራት
Adrasha’s project mebrat / መብራት explores the figure of the lighthouse as a symbol of guidance and border, translating its pulses of light into rhythms. Through field recordings, visual poetry, and personal archives, she articulates soundscapes that address displacement, communication, and belonging from a political and sensory perspective.
Ndox ak Ndox
NDOX AK NDOX is a sound performance based on the successive journeys of people from West and North Africa across the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, connecting paths that represent both hope and tragedy. PASAPORTEMAN treats these waters as a body in a coma. Through sound, and accompanied by the artists Nusmaïl (Jokkoo), opo (Jokkoo), and 3xOJ (Rahgoul), he seeks to honor and revive this body so that it can tell its stories.
NKISI Presents ‘Serpent Songs’
Inspired by Nkisi’s ongoing research into the ethnographic music archives (1893 till present), ‘Serpent Songs’ invokes the serpentine movements of sound and the migratory paths of its vibrations. The musical composition delves into the psycho-acoustics inherited from ancient musical traditions. Here, music emerges as an enchanted consciousness; a vessel for its mythopoetic remembrance. Inspired by the primordial snake ancestors of these ancient traditions who shaped landscapes, rivers, and hills, ‘Serpent Songs' traces the trails of music they left behind.
Interface 14
The Mediterranean is often a hostile border, but also a point of cultural convergence between continents. 14 kilometers of Mediterranean Sea, at its narrowest point, separate the African continent from the European one. This musical session, structured as a story, explores the African musical genres that filtered into western homes and dance floors with sounds arriving from the south, often reinterpreted through an increasingly diverse and growing diaspora at the end of the last century and the beginning of this one.
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La Bissaperie
La Bissaperie is a collective invocation of Frantz Fanon's memory through a shared reading of his texts and the preparation of bissap, a hibiscus flower drink. I propose a friendly and horizontal meeting place focused on the revolutionary ideas of the thinker and a platform for people to connect with their identity, heritage and community.
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In the depths
The proposal is entitled In the Depths and takes the form of a performative lecture. It begins with the real history of the Atlantic as a space of violence and memory: the slave trade, ports with a Black presence in Spain (Barcelona, Seville, Cadiz), and how this past has been silenced or fragmented. From there, it takes a creative leap into the realm of the imaginary: how artists such as Drexciya have paved the way for thinking about the ocean not only as a tomb, but also as an archive, as a place of possibilities and future.
Migritude
Migritude is a powerful solo musical performance by Dudù Kouate that blends ancestral rhythms, voice, and found objects into a deeply moving ritual of sound and memory. Rooted in Kouate’s Griot heritage and shaped by his transnational journey between Senegal and Europe, the performance explores migration, identity, loss, and resilience. Migritude is an intimate yet universal experience: a living bridge between cultures, where the stage becomes a shared space of listening, reflection, and collective humanity.
Nadah El Shazly introduces Laini Tani
El Shazly's new album, Laini Tani, exudes an intoxicating and exhilarating sense of excess, evoking a sensual haze of warm nights that stretch effortlessly into dawn, while the clubs continue to vibrate unaffected. Each track functions as a vignette, capturing fleeting but intense moments of introspection, defiance, or unbridled euphoria. Through subtle wordplay, layered metaphors, and personal symbols, El Shazly weaves a richly meaningful sonic and lyrical tapestry, where every note and every phrase suggests a more intimate narrative. The album plays on contrasts—between indulgence and contemplation, spontaneity and observation—inviting the listener to lose themselves in its mesmerizing rhythms while deciphering the deeper truths hidden within. The album's soundscape achieves a refined balance, creating a dynamic dialogue between classical Egyptian improvisation, vocal manipulation, and electronic rhythms. Nadah collaborates with 3Phaz as co-producer.
Past events
Mare Nostrum by KorMalta - Malta`s National Choir
Under the direction of chorus master Riccardo Bianchi, KorMalta embarks on a captivating musical odyssey themed around the sea. The ensemble's repertoire spans from the Renaissance era, featuring the timeless Mille Regretz attributed to Josquin Des Prez, to Monteverdi's renowned madrigal Ecco Mormorar l’Onde, which is adorned with the poetic brilliance of Torquato Tasso.
Malena
<span>Malena is the utterly unforgettable story of a boy’s journey into manhood amid the chaos and intolerance of World War II. In a sleepy Italian village, Malena, the most beautiful woman in town, becomes the subject of increasingly malicious gossip among the lustful townsmen and their jealous wives. But only her most ardent admirer, young Renato Amoroso, will learn her mysterious untold story.</span>
Think Tank Session by the Maltese Chamber of Scientists
Living oceans Immerse yourself in the wonders of marine life with our "Living Oceans" panel discussion. Join us for a discussion about the mysteries of the deep, conservation efforts, biodiversity and the fascinating creatures that inhabit our oceans. You'll gain a better understanding of what's at stake in marine ecosystems, and discover how we can all contribute to their preservation. Whether you're a marine enthusiast, an environmental advocate or simply curious about life beneath the waves, this event promises to be an informative and inspiring journey to the heart of our blue planet.
ŻfinMalta - National Dance Company: Aerial by Paolo Mangiola & Cantata by Mauro Bigonzetti
AERIAL by Paolo Mangiola, the company director, collaborates with pianist Tricia Dawn WIlliams to explore the ‘bird’s eye view’ and bird migration patterns, set to intricate compositions by John Cage, John Adams, and Ezio Bosso. The delicate movements unfold on a miniature scale, drawing inspiration from cinematic perspectives, establishing a unique dialogue between dance and music. CANTATA by Mauro Bigonzetti, is a visceral dance journey reclaiming Southern Italy’s musical heritage, portraying a continuous interplay of opposites through passionate choreography. Together, these works create a dynamic fusion of movement and music, promising a captivating exploration of emotions and contrasts.
BALLAD FOR THE LIVED: A CONCERT BY CLAIRE TONNA
In a Wharf (1752) that holds centuries of reconstruction, Claire Tonna presents the concert Ballad For The Lived nurturing the wharf’s same nature; becoming a place of loading and unloading. A transference, exchange and a sharing of courage and kindness to all at the port, be they arriving or departing on their journey of survival, healing and simply being in the present societies we live in. This concert is a ballad for the living, a story that shares wisdom, adventure and love. The compositions performed share a cloak of courage and faith in the human heart, a power that lives in each one and is revived and remembered through the togetherness and connections we inevitably share.
Gregarious
Gregarious offers a captivating portrayal of the human side of sports, challenging the traditional depiction of sports heroes. The performance seamlessly blends competition and collaboration, illuminating themes of teamwork and rivalry. Drawing inspiration from their own close friendship, the two artists have crafted a contemporary circus gem that exudes energy, wit, and charm. With exceptional physical abilities, breathtaking stunts, and clever comedic elements, Gregarious offers a fresh perspective on the emotional and personal dynamics that are at the core of sports.
Drift
Jacqueline (Cynthia Erivo), a young refugee, lands alone and penniless on a Greek island, where she tries first to survive and then to cope with her past. While gathering her strength, she begins a friendship with a rootless tour guide (Alia Shawkat) and together they find the resilience to forge ahead.
Tsungai Tsikirai and Band
Tsungai has been captivating audiences by showcasing her traditional African music, dances, and cultural heritage through mesmerising performances on various platforms. Beyond her shows, Tsungai finds joy in serving as a workshop facilitator, imparting the art of Southern African choral singing and dance to individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Vento Y Fogo
The vibrant multiculturalism of Malta, coupled with a shared passion for Latin rhythms, served as the catalyst for the collaboration between Marco Strafalaci from Italy and Patricia Torres from Uruguay. This unique fusion led to the creation of the musical project known as the Vento y Fogo duo. Their repertoire, spanning from South American tunes to Spanish, Italian, and beyond, invites the audience on a captivating journey through the joyful flavours of Mediterranean and Latin musicality.
Smadj, Safwane Kenani & Ersoj Kasimov
Smadj, a virtuoso on the oud and an electronic music innovator, forges a distinctive musical realm by seamlessly blending influences from the East and the Mediterranean Sea. His unique style, a pioneering force within the realm of electronic music, imparts a special hue to the traditional yet contemporary Mediterranean soundscape, drawing on diverse musical traditions from Turkey to the Maghreb.
Exodus
Two worlds collide when Sam (40), a people smuggler, reluctantly saves Amal, a 12-year-old girl whose whole family has gone missing in the Syrian war. Amal believes that they are on their way to Sweden so she sets out on a journey to find them. Sam hesitates but is troubled by the thought of leaving the girl alone in a no-man’s land, and gets dragged in.
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The museum boat
Discover the works of Laure Prouvost, Michelangelo Pistoletto and Akram Zaatari, the sound experience created by IRCAM, films by artists from 15 of the countries on the Mediterranean Festival tour, and a live programme (talks, concerts, performances...)
Films on Loop Programme
Underwater Painting by Yannis Maniatakos, 2012; Fragments by Ghassen Chraifa, 2020; No More Front Tears by Laure Prouvost, 2022
Sailing, You Would Sea Where To Go by Laure Prouvost
Discover Laure Prouvost's unique commission, unveiled for the first time: IDEALLY YOU WOULD SEA WHERE TO GO – HERE WE DREAM OF NO MORE FRONT TEARS. These phrases, written on the sails of the museum ship and produced in a specialized workshop in Brittany, are based on a hybrid play on words between English and French.
Love Difference - Mar Mediterraneo by Michelangelo Pistoletto
Discover the emblematic work Love Difference - Mar Mediterraneo by international artist Michelangelo Pistoletto, taking the form of a table of mirrors assembled according to the contours of the Mediterranean Sea, presented more than twenty years after its first iteration at the Venice Biennale (2003).
Frequently asked questions
The Art Explora Festival will take place from spring 2024 to spring 2026 in various Mediterranean cities.
Festival events take place both on the museum boat's quay and in heritage and/or emblematic sites in the stopover towns. To find out all about upcoming events in your town, consult our Agenda.
The Art Explora Festival offers a rich, multi-disciplinary program including visits to the museum ship, exhibition pavilions, virtual reality experiences, artistic performances, concerts, lectures, film screenings, creative workshops and meetings. You'll be able to discover local and international artists, as well as thinkers and cultural players exploring contemporary themes related to the Mediterranean region. To find out all about upcoming events in your city, consult our Agenda.
All Festival events are free of charge. Please note, however, that some events - such as workshops - require a reservation via the ticket office. Please consult the page dedicated to each event for more information on times and booking procedures.
To ensure that everyone has the best possible experience at the Festival, we have drawn up a visitors' charter listing a few good practices.
Yes, the boat is freely accessible on site. However, you can pre-book your time online on our website.
For reasons of safety and preservation of the boat, high heels and stilettos may not be worn on the boat.
To take part in the workshops and meetings offered during the Festival, you'll generally need to register in advance. Information on how to register will be available on the dedicated event page, where you can also find details of times and how to take part.
Yes, the Art Explora Festival also offers child-friendly activities, such as creative workshops specially designed for young participants. Take a look at the program to find out about events and activities for children and families.
The museum boat is open to all free of charge. To find out on which quay it will be moored, or to pre-book your slot, consult the page dedicated to your town.
Appropriate facilities have been set up on the Festival site for the reception and access of people with reduced mobility. The boat is equipped with a 1m-wide ramp, accessible to people with reduced mobility, but may require the accompaniment of a third party due to its gradient of over 6%. Access to the aft deck and immersive exhibition is possible. However, the upper deck is not accessible. Please inform us in advance of any special accessibility requirements, so that we can make the necessary arrangements.
Thank you for your interest in the Art Explora Festival! To find out more about our volunteer opportunities and to apply, please visit our "Become a volunteer"section of our website. There you'll find all the information you need about the roles available and the application procedure. We look forward to meeting you!
We're delighted to consider new partnerships for the Art Explora Festival. To find out how, please visit our dedicated page or write to us at contact@artexplora.org