The annual event “Gozo Lace Day” was organised for the fourteenth consecutive year on 25th April 2010 at the University of Malta – Gozo Campus. The event consisted of a number of exhibitions and demonstrations of Gozo lace and talks on matters related to lace-making. Present for the event were the Hon. Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo, Professor Lino Briguglio, Director of the Gozo Campus, Mr Anton Tabone, former Speaker of the House of Representatives as guest speaker and Ms Consiglia Azzopardi, coordinator of the Lace Making Programme.
The event was introduced by Prof Briguglio and followed by an address by Consiglia Azzopardi who gave an overview of the works and courses offered by the Lace-Making Programme at the Gozo Campus. Ms Azzopardi stressed on the needs of lace education on an academic level in order to keep abreast with the style of the lace market of present times.
In his speech Mr Anton Tabone, congratulated the director and his staff at the University Gozo Campus, and commended Consiglia Azzopardi who directs the lace programme in Gozo for her efforts. He augured that the Diploma in Lace Studies course will commence in the coming academic year. He also encouraged the Ministry for Gozo and the Rectorate of the University of Malta to continue with their support to the University Gozo Campus. He said the time has come for the UGC to exhibit the high quality lace products produced by the Lace Making Programme, possibly in a lace museum.
The Hon. Giovanna Debono praised the various initiatives taken at the University Gozo Campus and remarked that the collective effort of all those concerned are resulting in more educational services on the island. This includes the Lace Making Programme that has added an academic level to the traditional and artisan value through the inclusion of other related subjects in the course programme. The Minister explained how lace making is considered as one of the unique characteristics of the Gozitan touristic product and how it forms an intrinsic part of the island's traditions. Thus it still retains an economic as well as a heritage value as one of the authentic products of the island of Gozo. The Minister then presented certificates to five students attending the first year of the Certificate course in Lace Making.
A book of lace patterns exhibited during past Lace Days and edited by Consiglia Azzopardi was launched. Copies of this book are available at the Koperattiva Ghawdxija tal-Bizzilla u Artigjanat.
A large number of lace makers and friends attended the event which also included exhibitions of contemporary lace master-pieces and textile crafts, a competition and a raffle. There were a number of stands one of which was mounted by the International Organisation of Needle and Bobbin Lace (OIDFA).
Gozo Lace Day 2009
Sunday 19 April 2009
The annual event “Gozo Lace Day” was organised for the thirteenth consecutive year on 19th April 2009 at the University Gozo Centre premises. The event consisted of a number of exhibitions and demonstrations of Gozo lace and talks on matters related to lace-making. Present for the event were the Hon. Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo, Mr Anton Tabone, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Ms Consiglia Azzopardi, coordinator of the Lace Making Programme.
The Hon. Giovanna Debono, explained how the Ministry for Gozo supports the University Gozo Centre in its endeavours to foster and provide lifelong learning opportunities. The lace making programme within this centre has particular significance not only because it keeps alive such a prestigious craft but also because through the teaching of lace students get into other related subjects such as history of art and design. The Minister urged the participants to consider applying for the Diploma in Lace Studies course which is held at the centre. She also suggested that more information and hands-on sessions should be delivered to Gozitan school children through coordination with the Gozo College.
In his speech Mr Anton Tabone, congratulated Prof Briguglio and his staff at the University Gozo Centre in particular Consiglia Azzopardi who directs the lace programme within the centre. He said that he hopes that this year there will be enough applicants for the Diploma in Lace Studies course so that it will be offered for the second time. He also encouraged the Ministry for Gozo to continue with its support to the University Gozo Centre.
In her introductory talk, Ms Consiglia Azzopardi gave an overview of the works and courses offered by the Lace-Making Programme during the past year. She said that for the first time the Programme offered an introductory course to a number of young people. Ms Azzopardi also said that this year the programme will also include an international summer school for international students.
The event also included a presentation by Mr John Vella about the various types of thread that are available on the market for the making of lace. Ms Iris Galea Lowell also delivered an interesting lecture about ‘Lace-making from Prehistoric Times’.
Several persons attended the event many of them lace makers. The event included exhibitions of old lace pieces and textile crafts. Other exhibits were mounted by the International Organisation of Needle and Bobbin Lace (OIDFA) and by the Malta Lace Guild. There were also demonstrations of sprang, embroidery, card weaving, tapestry weaving, cord lacing and information about courses in different aspects of Maltese Lace. Koperattiva Għawdxija tal-Bizzilla u Artigjanat were also present with lace making materials.
Presentation of Certificates
Saturday 7 March 2009
The Hon. Giovanna Debono, distributed certificates to 64 candidates who successfully completed the following three short courses at the University Gozo Centre:
· “Introduction to Criminology”, conducted by Mr Saviour Formosa
· “Inclusive Education: Transforming Schools into Communities” conducted by Dr AndrewAzzopardi
· “Transforming Schools into Communities”, coordinated by Dr Andrew Azzopardi
Minister Debono, commenting on the activities of the Gozo Centre, said that the partnership between the Ministry for Gozo and the University Gozo Centre is resulting in fostering education at all levels in Gozo and therefore making an important contribution to Gozitan society. Referring to the short courses offered at the Centre, Minister Debono said that she is very pleased that these courses are attracting participants from all walks of life and different age groups.
In his speech, Professor Lino Briguglio, who presided over the event, said that he was very pleased that so many students are seeing the need for further training and attending the courses offered by the Centre. This already shows that the Centre is filling a very important void in Gozo. He thanked the Minister for Gozo and the University authorities for their continuous support of the Centre.
The Hon. Giovanna Debono awarding a certificate to a successful participant.
