Project Disintegration
The year is 2068, and certain confidential files from the European Commission have been declassified and released to the public. One of these is the file on Project Disintegration, a controversial initiative that spanned the early decades of the 21st century; as part of a two-speed Europe initiative, certain countries, particularly those on the peripheries of Europe, were encouraged to appropriate the culture of neighbouring continents. In an elaborate process of systematic narrative-spinning and the rewriting of particular histories, the small Mediterranean island of Malta was used as a test-case in the initiative.
Over the course of almost ten years, the island-state was slowly convinced of the strength of its Arab origins, and encouraged to leave the EU to align with nearby Arab states. The then European Capital of Culture project, which was originally created to share a common European culture among member states, was appropriated by the European Commission’s DG for Disintegration to push the Arabification agenda in Malta. Thus, Valletta’s title of European Capital of Culture 2018 could be used to further the DG’s plans. Through a programme of sensitisation and re-education, the island’s population was actively encouraged to identify with its Arab neighbours.
Margerita, official Project Disintegration archivist.
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The Research
Project Disintegration, an examination of art as protest and protest as art - a Masters Dissertation.
Project Disintegration, an examination of art as protest and protest as art - a Masters Dissertation.
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Barbie Maltija
The Maltese Barbie was a Project Disintegration prototype that never made it to the market due to copyright issues, however the doll was planned to project an image of a modern ‘Barbie Maltija’, combining a Paceville style with a more modest head-covering.
Photo: Lily Sapiano
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GraffitiThis graffiti was frequently seen on the streets of Malta; positive words like 'love', 'peace' and 'happiness' brightened the Maltese locals' days.
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Cooking WorkshopsProject Disintegration took an inclusive, participatory approach to culture replacement. Workshops on various aspects of Arab culture took place frequently at community centres around Malta.
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Planning Permission
Six little-used theatres in Malta were earmaked for conversion into Mosques. In a community initiative, the under-utilised theatres were destined to be put to better use as Arab community centres. The centres would allow access to all faiths, however emphasis was to be
put on the Islamic faith, with a mosque to be included in all of the theatres. |
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Arab food
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In order to effect near-immediate cultural change, Project Disintegration worked with every pastizzerija in Malta and Gozo, changing Maltese tastes and habits. The preserved lemons and tea glass are typical of the condiments and drinks that began to be served.
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Hijab WorkshopsWorkshops were organised around the Islands to show Maltese women how to wear the hijab correctly.
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Id-Dinja Gharbija u l-Arkitettura Taghha
Various colouring and activity books were produced over the course of Project Disintegration; this colouring book is typical of the type disseminated through schools and community centres.
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Henna Tattoos
Maltese women happily decorated their hands and arms with henna tattoos in intricate patterns.
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Children's Drawings
Pedagogy was seen as an important tool in Project Disintegration’s work. Schools were tasked with using creative lessons to allow children to express their thoughts on an Arab Malta.
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The ExhibitionThe exhibition consisted of various artefacts, historic documents and additional documentation relating to the Project.
The multi-media exhibition made the documentation and information released accessible to the public, and allowed the Maltese to reflect on their recent and not-so-recent histories. The exhibition was housed in the Atrium of Spazju Kreattiv within St James Cavalier in Valletta. A palm tree within the space set the tone for the exhibition. |
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