Valletta mainstay Caffe Cordina and the Malta Society of Arts have embarked on a pilot project with the aim of actively supporting the arts industry.

It will see exhibitions held at the MSA’s seat – Palazzo de La Salle – also get the opportunity to hold a satellite show in the Caffe Cordina tea rooms.

The aim of this initiative is to further support the arts and those investing their energy to hold exhibitions of note.

To do so, it brings together two major establishments in Valletta, both of which can trace their origins to the 19th century, and are located just metres away from each other in the capital city’s main artery.

The two institutions are said to share several common values, namely the strong belief in the importance of conserving heritage and keeping traditions alive, but also of promoting the arts and artists in Malta’s capital.

Both of their identities stem from the fact that they operate within historic buildings, and both strive to safeguard these roots while keeping abreast with the changing times.

The first works involved in this pilot project and satellite show form part of the exhibition Bonds by sister artists Lilyana Ger and Nadya Peovska, from Bulgaria.

Bonds is open at Palazzo de La Salle until 23rd September, and enthusiasts can get a taste of the main show from the satellite at Caffe Cordina.

MSA President Adrian Mamo is proud that the MSA has embarked on this new project with the historic coffee shop.

“Caffe Cordina is a highly respected institution, and both establishments have a keen interest in the arts.

“These kinds of collaborations between the private sector and public institutions benefit both sides, but most of all they benefit the arts and artists themselves since they multiply their exposure,” he commented.

“Here at Caffe Cordina, we have a tradition of displaying beautiful works of art on our walls as we believe we should promote the arts and culture," remarks Luca Cordina, Head of Business Development at Caffe Cordina.

“This collaboration is a perfect match between our two institutions since our Caffe has a traditional tie to art with its permanent display of numerous works by Giuseppe Cali.”

Both institutions say they hope that this first successful initiative will continue much further in the future and serve as the launch of a fruitful collaboration.