Unpacking Feelings through the creative arts – music

Mikiel Anton Vassalli College received the excellent news that it had received both approval and funds to carry out an KA227 EU-funded project called Unpacking Feelings. The Malta School of Music within the College is being entrusted to carry out its deliverables and intellectual outputs.

This 2-year adventure (March 2021 – February 2023) will focuses mainly on a) skills development and inclusion through creativity and the arts, b) promoting a comprehensive approach to language teaching (expression) and learning and most importantly c) strengthening the profiles of the teaching professions. The topics cover creativity and culture and well as Health and wellbeing.

Head of MAVC Malta School of Music, Maria Blanco explained that the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has been felt globally, affecting all walks of life in personal, social and commercial contexts. The Cultural and Creative Industries are not exempt, and nor have they escaped the significant negative impact. Theatres, cinemas, operas, art galleries, museums, community arts groups have been forced to close at short notice. Schools were shut to most students, some have fully re-opened while other such as the performing arts schools in Malta are still dependent on on-line teaching.

“We are embracing this opportunity to form part of this Erasmus+ project, bringing together 6 schools and entities from 4 different countries – Wales, Cyprus, Spain and Malta. We already have various collaborations with national entities in Malta, and are now really eager to engage in this process of internationalization, which will provide exchange and learning opportunities for both staff and students and staff of the Malta School of Music” said Maria Blanco.

Head of MAV College Network Victor Galea explained that this project is inspired from the Children’s Commissioner’s report Wales 2020 where it highlighted that only 39% of the 12-18 years old were confident to access counselling services in schools. “Many students have missed school for friendship and support from school staff and are now worried about catching up on their education. This has impacted negatively on their emotional wellbeing.”
“This project is unique as it aims to take creative arts experts and teaching professionals on a journey to create lessons/activities that use a range of creative arts media to engage learners to express their emotions/feelings. I’m glad that together with the Malta Film Foundation we now form part of this European network” concluded Mr Galea.