MCAST students meet HRH Prince Edward, courtesy of Banif Bank

MCAST students who were commissioned by Banif Bank to present works of art for the Bank’s 2013 calendar were given the unique and prestigious opportunity to meet HRH Prince Edward at an event organised as part of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Forum.

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A cohort of second-year students preparing for their Higher National Diploma in Fine Art at the Institute of Art and Design were given the opportunity to showcase their work during an evening of youth talent organised by the President’s Award Committee in Malta at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, supported by Banif Bank.

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Banif Bank CEO Joaquim F. Silva Pinto greeted The Earl of Wessex at the La Vallette Hall and introduced him to the aspiring young local artists who proudly presented their artwork. In attendance were MCAST Institute of Art and Design Director Stephen Vella and the student’s lecturer Sarah Mamo. HRH Prince Edward took time to view each and every work and to chat to the students who explained the concepts behind their art.

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The idea behind the initiative was to offer students an important platform where they could exhibit their work. The Bank believes that this opportunity was a catalyst for the students’ future careers as art professionals. “Banif’s presence at The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Forum is testament of the Bank’s belief in young local talent,” said Mr Silva Pinto. “Apart from providing its support to this prestigious event which saw Award Holders from over 60 countries worldwide attending, Banif took the opportunity to unveil the works of art commissioned from the MCAST students, in an exhibition. We are grateful for this very fruitful collaboration with MCAST.”

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Photos:HRH Prince Edward chats with MCAST students, accompanied by Joaquim F. Silva Pinto