An ambitious project is being held at the newly-refurbished complex of the Astra Theatre in Victoria during this month. The project, entitled Identity of an Island – Gozo: Art between past and present, is a vehicle for the celebration of Gozo’s identity in a two-pronged, interlinked manner. It consists of the organisation of a contemporary art collective which carries the title of Alternative Perspectives and an art-historical conference entitled The Artistic Legacy of Gozo which will take place on Saturday, from 9.30am to 1pm. Gozo’s impressively rich artistic legacy will thus be joined by contemporary artistic practice. The event is being dedicated to Frank Portelli (1922-2004), pioneer of modern art in Malta who in the 1960s had designed the original Astra Theatre. A number of relief sculptures which have survived are also being included as a tribute to Portelli. The Contemporary Art Collective Alternative Perspectives proposes itself as a platform for a contemporary artistic dialogue. Visual artists and creative practitioners will be engaging with the theme of Gozo in an unorthodox, innovative and unusual perspective, especially mindful of the issues and phenomena affecting...