Malta & Gozo Students Prize

Caroline Miggiani graduated from the University of Malta in 2012 with a degree in History of Art. Later on, in 2017, she was awarded a Master’s degree in the same discipline.
Her main research interests include art produced during the First and Second World Wars and 20th century British artists who have a connection with Malta.

Miggiani has recently published a book entitled The Official Colours of War and has also written articles for local publications including Treasures of Malta, Melita Historica and the Times of Malta.

She has recently curated a couple of local art exhibitions.

Christine Porter Lofaro commenced her artistic formation at a young age. She attended Art classes at the Malta Government School of Art and also at the Society of Arts Manufactures and Commerce in Valletta. She continued to develop different styles and techniques under the private tuition of Mr. Harry Alden, who was one of Bridget Riley’s students. Christine’s highly realistic oil paintings are like snapshots taken from an imaginative world that is narrated through props, things, and figures. Her work takes traditional ways of painting and applies them to current times, through a fresh and contemporary lens.

Along with 18 years of teaching experience, Christine holds an honours degree in Art and a Master’s degree in Creativity and Innovation from the University of Malta. In 2016, she obtained a Ph.D. from the University of Sheffield (UK) with research on studio spaces and the creative process. Christine is a full-time artist and a visiting lecturer at the University of Malta. In 2019, Christine has been added as a member of the International Guild of Realism. Founded in 2002, the guild recognizes talented contemporary realists, while also building bridges between collectors and artists working in this field. 

Howard Bilton, a British-born entrepreneur and barrister, has made a multifaceted impact on tax advisory services, philanthropy, and the wine industry in Portugal and beyond. His ventures reflect a unique blend of business acumen and social responsibility, creating a lasting legacy in each sector he touches. 

Tax

As the chairman and founder of The Sovereign Group, Bilton has significantly influenced the tax landscape, particularly for expatriates and international businesses. The Group provides comprehensive tax planning and wealth management services, which help clients navigate complex tax systems. By doing so, it supports individuals and companies to optimize their tax positions within the legal framework, fostering an environment that is conducive to foreign investment and economic growth in Portugal. 

Charity

In the realm of charity, Bilton’s establishment of The Sovereign Art Foundation has made a notable impact on the local and international art scenes. The foundation not only recognizes and supports artists through awards and exhibitions but also raises substantial funds for charitable causes. A significant portion of its work is dedicated to using art as a medium for educational and healing purposes, particularly for disadvantaged children. Through these initiatives, Bilton has harnessed the power of art to make a tangible difference in the lives of many, providing both cultural enrichment and social support. 

 Wine

With Howard’s Folly, Bilton has ventured into the wine industry, intertwining the worlds of oenology and art. The winery is known for producing high-quality wines that reflect the rich terroir of Portugal, contributing to the country’s reputation as a producer of fine wines. Beyond the production, Howard’s Folly serves as a cultural destination, hosting art exhibitions and events that attract visitors from around the world. This unique concept not only promotes Portuguese wine but also elevates the cultural experience of wine tasting, setting a precedent for how wineries can engage with the arts. 

Overall Impact

Howard Bilton’s impact in the fields of tax, charity, and wine is characterized by a forward-thinking approach that leverages professional expertise to foster cultural and social development. By integrating his business endeavors with philanthropic goals, Bilton has shown that commercial success can go hand-in-hand with making a positive social contribution. His efforts have provided a model for sustainable development, showcasing how individual dedication to professional excellence and social responsibility can lead to broad and beneficial societal impacts. 

Laura Swale is a visual artist, arts writer and cultural project leader with over 30 years of experience spanning creative arts, arts education, arts management and public-facing creative initiatives. In her artistic practice she specialises in contemporary fine art, large-scale commissions, creative storytelling and artistic documentation. After studying art at Bath Spa University in the UK, Laura began her career working for a gallery, then spent 15 years as an art teacher and department leader in UK and international schools and two years as an artist in residence. She relocated to Malta in 2016 and established Allura, a visual arts platform which has been recognised with numerous awards and shortlistings for its innovative work in the arts sector. Laura has also been a contributing arts and cultural writer for the Times of Malta and various other local publications.

An architect by profession, Sarah Calleja is an artist with a love for painting. The values which she holds closer to heart are form, & feelings. The paintings tell a story by the choice of colour, line and form.

Being introduced to watercolour at the age of 6 under the tutorage of Alfed J. Camilleri, Sarah feels that these have become part of her natural expression.  Later introduced to acrylics and more recently to oils she enjoys exploring the different mediums, always eager to learnand to experiment. Sarah love to paint en plein artists and find this to be her time to re-balance away from the usual routine.

She describes painting outdoors as being a true challenge, a fight against time and the elements, however one which offers such an array of subjects and inspirations. The thrill of producing a painting in a limited time finds no equal to painting in the studio. Studio work on the other hand offers the artists time to explore different approaches and to keep develop her art,  somewhat wrapped in her own world. Her works focus on the feeling that a space imposes on her infused with her mood, rather than to create a realistic image. One enjoys working with a variety of medium including charcoal, ink, watercolour, acrylics and mixed medium. Her style can be described as bold in both form and colour, an aesthetic which can be seen across different mediums.

More about the artist can be found www.sarahcalleja.com

Stephen Griffiths is Managing Director of Sovereign Trust (Malta) Limited and a director of Sovereign Pension Services Limited. Stephen has worked in the financial service industry for many years both in the United Kingdom, Gibraltar and in Malta where he has lived with his family for more than 12 years. Prior to leaving the UK Stephen worked as a management consultant for one of the UK’s largest service providers and before that as a marketing and advertising consultant in print media and television.

“As early as I can remember art has always played an important role in my life. My grandfather was a very talented artist and passed on a love of art to me. I am therefore honoured to be part of something that helps encourage that same love of art in others.” – Stephen Griffiths.