Sixteen years of putting young audiences at the heart of the arts
In November 2026, ŻiguŻajg International Arts Festival for Children and Young People celebrates its 16th edition, marking more than a decade and a half of championing the right of children and young people in Malta to experience, participate in and shape the arts.
Since its beginnings in 2010, ŻiguŻajg has grown into a key platform for artistic work created for young audiences, bringing together local and international artists and presenting a diverse programme of theatre, dance, music, visual arts, film and participatory experiences. Over the years, the festival has commissioned and supported more than 250 artistic projects, contributing to the development of Malta’s performing arts landscape and creating opportunities for artists to engage meaningfully with younger generations.
At the heart of ŻiguŻajg’s work is the belief that children and young people are not simply audiences, but active participants in cultural life. Beyond presenting performances, the festival continues to develop initiatives that invite young people to contribute ideas, experiment creatively and engage with the artistic process.
Since 2025, the Children’s Advisory Board (CAB) has been an important part of this commitment. The initiative encourages children to become active collaborators, sharing their perspectives and helping shape creative projects. Working alongside artists and practitioners from different disciplines, participants explore how their ideas can develop into artistic outcomes, building confidence, curiosity and a sense of ownership over their cultural experiences.
This commitment extends into the wider community through workshops, educational initiatives and collaborations with cultural organisations, schools, families and creative practitioners. The festival also creates opportunities for children and young people to explore their own creative potential, develop new skills and share their work with others. This year, workshops leading to public sharings, including comedy workshops, will give young participants the opportunity to develop their talents, build confidence and experience the excitement of presenting their work to an audience.
Alongside its work with young audiences, ŻiguŻajg is committed to supporting the wider artistic community through its Delegate Programme, which brings together Maltese and international producers, artists and cultural professionals. The programme creates space for networking, mentorship, learning and the exchange of ideas, encouraging meaningful connections between local practitioners and international peers. It is a particularly valued part of the festival, helping to strengthen professional relationships, encourage future collaborations and create opportunities for knowledge-sharing across the performing arts
sector. By investing in these connections, ŻiguŻajg seeks to contribute not only to the development of work for young audiences, but also to the growth and sustainability of the wider cultural ecosystem.
As part of Spazju Kreattiv’s wider programme, the festival contributes to an ongoing conversation about the role of culture in society and the importance of nurturing creativity from an early age. Its work places particular value on listening to young voices, supporting artistic experimentation and creating welcoming environments in which children and families can experience the arts together.
One of the defining features of ŻiguŻajg is its commitment to presenting a wide range of artistic experiences. The programme extends beyond traditional theatre performances, embracing movement, sensory exploration, visual arts and opportunities for active participation. From work created specifically for babies and very young children to productions exploring contemporary issues relevant to teenagers, the festival recognises that young audiences are diverse and deserve artistic experiences that respond to their different ages, interests and needs.
The 16th edition will take place from 13 to 22 November 2026, continuing this commitment through a programme of performances, exhibitions, workshops and opportunities for creative exchange.
As ŻiguŻajg looks towards the future, its ambition remains to build a cultural landscape in which every child and young person feels that the arts are for them, that their ideas matter and that they have a place in shaping the stories we tell and the world we imagine together.
Through its ongoing work with artists, educators, families and communities, ŻiguŻajg continues to advocate for young audiences and contribute to the international conversation on high-quality, inclusive and meaningful arts experiences for children and young people.
