Fifty years ago, the Manikata Parish Church became a site for artistic collaboration. Led by Scottish artist Richard Demarco, artists engaged with its sacred space and embedded their work within its landscape as part of the Edinburgh Arts Festival.
Marking the semi-centennial anniversary of its establishment as a parish, the Silence Within Abundant Birdsong exhibition rekindled that dialogue, inviting four contemporary artists and catalogue contributors Chris Abel, Ann Dingli, Prof. Joe Friggieri, Ella Fleri Soler, Elyse Tonna, Prof. Maria Frendo and Anthony Bonnici to explore the site, and offer their interpretations of its presence.
The contributions were compiled in a book, which was launched on the 10th of April 2025 at the Malta Society of Arts, Valletta. The launch delivered sentiments from Richard England on sacred places and conversations with all involved in the catalogue and exhibition to further contextualise the significance of Manikata Church.
Special thanks to The Alfred Mizzi Foundation, APS Bank, R Lautier The Natural Stone Workshop and Spades Wines & Spirits.
Copies of the book are available for purchase through this link.
