The Willingness Team and Betapsi once again curated a spectacular event that members of The Third Eye team were lucky enough to join. Clayton Seguna, Betapsi President, started off the day by welcoming everyone to the conference, introducing Betapsi, and thanking all the collaborators for making the event possible. Following that, Matthew Bartolo elaborated on the importance of discussing family, especially in 2021.

“We are breaking away from what should be, and moving onto what could be.”

Matthew Bartolo

Adding to this comment, Matthew not only described how we are breaking away from the norms set by society on what relationships and families should be but also how we are celebrating this change.

The role of family in gender transitions

In her keynote speech, Ruth Micallef set the pace of the entire conference by taking us through the transition process of her son. By being transparent Ruth allowed us to better understand all the aspects of this journey, from the hardships she and her son went through, to the fulfilment they received for going through them.

“You grieve the loss of your daughter until you can celebrate the birth of your son.”

Ruth Micallef

She finished off by narrating the progress they have made as a family, and how they now face new challenges such as the usual problems that come with teenagers.

Case review

Following the keynote speech, the willingness team presented a case review which encouraged a discussion on possible ways forward to deal with the issues a couple had as described by the case itself. 

The review dealt with Saviour and Felicity, a couple who decided to seek help after Saviour was experiencing sleeping difficulties. The discussion was led by Danica Cassar who went into detail about the issues the couple was facing and highlighted other contributing factors in the case, such as each individual’s background. After the stage was set, a variety of input was given by people involved in the case such as Dr Candace Adams, and by participants alike, who continued to add their own insights into the case. Some of the suggestions were to look into things like financial stressors and even the couple’s intimacy.

The case study was wrapped up with each speaker giving final comments in their respective area, from health to relationship psychology.

Same-sex parenting

After a series of workshops, Noel and Chris from TwoPapasMalta described their life together as a family. They recounted every step of the way from when how they met, to the day they got married in 2016, and even when they were amongst the few same-sex couples to adopt from Portugal in 2019.

“Our objective is to promote awareness about same-sex families and to inspire others who might eventually embark on the adoption journey.”

Noel and Chris

Noel and Chris gave a variety of insights about the adoption process and continued to elaborate on how their family functions very similarly to a heterosexual one, without the need to distinguish between a male or female role within the household.

Conclusion

Matthew Bartolo brought an end to the conference by celebrating the 94 attendees present at the conference, stating that the online nature of the event made it particularly unique from the other ones. He wrapped everything up by providing more information about the newly released Family Clinic “where all families are welcome”.

The Third Eye would like to congratulate everyone behind 360° for hosting such a captivating conference, and look forward to whatever they have in store for the future.

Check out last year’s conference!

The post Everything you missed from the Family 360° conference appeared first on The Third Eye.

Student Organisations Events

Women in Art and Film: Women’s Day Online Conference

Through a number of speakers, HoASA will be celebrating the role of women in art and film! Send an email to  history.of.art.sa@gmail.com in order to book your spot.

• Date: 10th March
• Time: 7:00PM
• Venue: Zoom

Introduction to Notarial Studies

ELSA Malta is proud to release the second edition of ‘Introduction to Notarial Studies’. This event is a perfect opportunity for all law students, particularly those interested in the notarial profession, to learn more about what it takes to be a notary. To save a spot, click here!

• Date: 17th March
• Time: 12:00PM till 2:00PM
• Venue: Zoom

The Better Together Human Library

Just like books, there is a story in every person – a story that is unique, authentic and different. People tend to judge books by their cover, which is what “Better Together” is all about – raising awareness about discrimination and prejudice, and instead promoting empathy and inclusion. Betapsi Malta will be organising an online event involving three speakers who will talk about their personal experiences.

• Date: 19th March
• Time: 12:00PM till 2:00PM
• Venue: Online

Philosophy at the interface with technology and AI

Philosophical inquiry is concerned with technology, be it the apparently simple technology of writing or the complexities of emerging technologies. Human interaction with technologies, from various apps and social media to smart classrooms and robots, will be the focus of this conversation with Enrico Panai (University of Sassari), a specialist of human interaction with information and author of Skip! 

This event is in collaboration with the Philosophy Department at the University of Malta and the Students’ Philosophical Society (SPS).

• Date: 25th March
• Time: 1PM
• Venue: Online

Other events going around the island

Online Event: Art Additives: Variable Depth, Shallow Water

Drawing on the reflexivity of the photographic medium, Pluta uses images, video, objects and sound as the foundation for this new exhibition, ‘Variable depth, shallow water’. The installation’s key material includes corrupted data filmed using a drone lost at sea and subsequently retrieved. 

• Date: 10th March
• Time: 7:00PM – 8:00PM
• Venue: Spazju Kreattiv

Exhibition Light is Time Thinking About Itself

An exhibition with Antje Liemann at MUŻA!

Light is Time Thinking About Itself speaks about landscapes without the presence of humankind. The artist Antje Liemann takes our recent lockdowns –with their home-isolation ad absurdum – as the starting point for imagining a differently calibrated world, looking forward to the possibility of the end of humankind’s domination over the earth. 

• Date: 11th March – 11th April
• Time: 10:00AM till 4:30PM
• Venue: MUŻA

Francophonie Week in Cinema

Throughout the world, the Francophonie Week will be celebrated from 13th to 21st March. A cultural event promoting the French language, French-speaking cultures and France’s influence in the cultural sector.

• Date: 13th March – 14th March
• Time: 8:30PM till 10:15PM
• Venue: Saint James Cavalier

Sky walk with a free fall jump

Get your adrenaline pumping with MC Adventure! Walk across one cliff to another and experience a free fall jump from 20m.

• Date: 20th March
• Time: 9:00AM
• Venue: Wied ta’ Miġra Ferħa

The Last Shift

The Screening of ‘The Last Shift’ hosted by Spazju Kreattiv.

Stanley (Richard Jenkins), an aging fast-food worker, plans to call it quits after 38 years on the graveyard shift at Oscar’s Chicken and Fish.His last weekend takes a turn while training his replacement, Jevon (Shane Paul McGhie), a talented but stalled young writer whose provocative politics keep landing him in trouble. These two who share little in common are brought together through circumstance. Stanley, a high school dropout who has watched his life pass by his drive-through window, proudly details the nuances of the job.While Jevon, a columnist who’s too smart to be flipping patties, contends their labor is being exploited. A flicker of comradery sparks during the long overnight hours in a quiet kitchen.

• Date: 20th March till 17th April
• Time: 8:00PM till 9:30PM
• Venue: Spazju Kreattiv Cinema

Campus Book Festival 2021 – virtual edition

The National Book Council (NBC) is pleased to present the programme of cultural events for the Campus Book Festival 2021, taking place entirely online for the very first time between 24–26 March. Click here for the full programme!

• Date: 24th March
• Time: 10AM till 7PM
• Venue: Online via Facebook

Palk Ħieles/Open Mic

Inizjamed’s Open Mic returns for the Campus Book Festival (CBF), this time in a virtual setting. Read a poem, a story, do stand-up comedy, sing for us, or express yourself with the audience. The sky is the limit and you can perform in Maltese, English or any other language you desire! Head over to their event page to learn more about how to attend and be a part of it.

• Date: 26th March
• Time: 7PM
• Venue: Online via Facebook

Contemporary Music Series | Concert II

Spazju Kreattiv, in collaboration with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra presents a series of concert of contemporary classical music.  Held at the music room of Spazju Kreattiv to a socially-distant audience, the performances will be subsequently aired on digital media platforms.

• Date: 26th March
• Time: 8PM
• Venue: Saint James Cavalier

SURA

SURA is a collection of handcrafted dolls accompanied by their voices and stories. Each doll is an attempt at making sense of the human need to create objects in our own likeness.

• Date: 26th March – 2nd May
• Time: 9AM till 9PM
• Venue: Saint James Cavalier

The post What is happening in March? appeared first on The Third Eye.

The concept of 360° was launched back in 2014 in order to tackle relevant and current topics from a multidisciplinary point of view. With successful events one after the other, this time the Willingness Team and Betapsi Malta decided to tackle the taboo that some have around sex, discussing relationships, sexuality, gender, family and whatnot. The Third Eye team are still hooked on the event and it is time to go for a little throwback!

The day started off with a welcome speech by the Parliamentary Secretary Rosianne Cutajar. Cutajar did not think twice on speaking her mind on her perspective about sex.

“A society that overcomes stigmas is a society that is open. A society that values mutual respect above all else…”

Rosianne Cutajar

On the eve of International Women’s Day, honourable Cutajar said that sexuality continues to be subjected to unequal treatment in our society which further ensures its patriarchal structure.

Sex in the elderly demographic

Moving on to the keynote speaker, who is none other than Kevin McCann, he beautifully explained the sexuality in terms of age. Laced with truthfulness and humour, McCann did not mince his words when explaining that your grandparents fool around. Sure, they may fumble a little, but sexuality is not limited to age.

“For many elderly people, we don’t see ourselves the way you see us. We should be encouraging the expression of sexuality throughout life.”

Kevin McCann

It was proved that 50% of over 65 years of age are still sexually active. A 20-30% of over 80s are still active and there has also been a 23% increase of STIs amongst elderly people.

“Wrinkly skin for some reason we have deemed to be unattractive. It has lived a life. It’s like an old rich tapestry.”

Kevin McCann

The lack of information about pornography and sexual education

During the conference, pornography was discussed from various angles. It has been long theorised and confirmed however that shame and guilt are both the cause and consequence of addiction. It is a known fact that sex sells and it is quite normal for people to watch pornography. In fact, 13% of Internet searches are all for erotic material. Having said that, it is essential to remember that the people performing such sexual acts are specifically hired actors.

A general consensus was reached that young people should be provided with even more sexual education. Due to the taboo and stigma that revolves around sexual education, schools cover only the surface of it. It is high time sexual education delves a bit deeper.

“Young people should be provided adequate sex education where they can discuss sex and pornography without shame and ridicule.”

Christian Cauchi

Sex and disability

Oliver Scicluna focused on the aspect of sex and disability. Scicluna recounted various personal experiences and he believes that in the near future, there will be even more Olivers, meaning a lot of other individuals going through the same experience.

Scicluna emphasized;

“For a human to flourish, sexuality needs to be experience and the individuals need to be provided support for them to experience their emotions.”

This conference vowed to provide a holistic approach to sex and it was only fair to discuss STDs and contraception. To date, Malta has over 400 cases of HIV, therefore contraception is not mean for any unwanted pregnancy but above all, it serves as protection.

To sum up the day, Matthew Bartolo gave his concluding speech who stated that this country wasted a lot of resources on replacing items already in existence. It is, therefore, our duty to give facts and to think about all the spectrum when talking about sex.

The Third Eye cannot wait for another opportunity to cover another event of theirs to once again witness the huge interest and hunger for knowledge we saw from both students and participants alike.

The post Everything you missed from the Sex 360° conference appeared first on The Third Eye.

B E W Y L D on Intl Women’s Day

B E W Y L D are organising an event to celebrate Women’s Day! A day event featuring live music, poetry, photography, together with a number of stalls led by female creatives and entrepreneurs. A fantastic way to celebrate such a day!

Date: 8^th March

Time: 2:00 pm till 9:00 pm

Place: Rocky Valley Garden

Public Lecture: Yves Klein

Prof. Paul Sant Cassia will be giving a lecture about Yves Klein’s revolutionary work in post-war European Art. Given that Prof. Paul Sant Cassia is from the Anthropology Department, the lecture will pair both the elements of art and anthropology.

It will take a unique approach, showing the connection between art and society that are more than often, overlooked.

Date: 10^th March

Time: 7:00 pm till 9:00 pm

Place: Valletta Contemporary

The Global Warning Project by UESA

UESA will be holding a three-day event all revolving about global warming but with a different topic each.

Students are highly encourage to attend and participate in such a concurrent issue.

Global Warming | Adopting a Sustainable Mindset

The three-day event will kick off with a panel discussion on man-made climate change – what is being done and what can be done.

Date: 11^th March

Time: 11:00 am till 3:00 pm

Place: Quadrangle

Global Warning | The Future of Transport

The second day will be focusing on Transport. A prominent topic which is talked about among the public.

Speakers proficient in the fields of electric vehicles and green modes of transports will be present. A discussion on transport and transport technology will follow.

An exhibition of electric vehicles will also be on display.

Date: 12^th March

Time: 11:00 am till 3:00 pm

Place: Quadrangle

Global Warning | Clean Energy

Day 3 will be focusing on Clean Energy. A panel of speakers will reveal new technologies that will help us go beyond solar energy, the type of energy that we heavily dependent on.

Discussions and debates on how to move forward in the energy sector will be taking place in the form of workshops.

Date: 13^th March

Time: 11:00 am till 3:00 pm

Place: Quadrangle

A Place to Belong: Research on Housing and Policy

A discussion hosted by Masters student in Conflict Analysis and Resolution in order to discuss the research and realities of housing in Malta.

Anyone who is working in the sector or interested in the fields of integration, social policy, housing and migration, are highly encouraged to attend!

Date: 12^th March

Time: 6:00 pm till 7:00 pm

Place: VC101 at the IT Services Building, University of Malta

The PlaKard Project

The PlaKard Project kicked off in September 2016, a musical experiment made by Matthew John Scicluna and Kyle Drakard. The aim is to experiment with a mixture of contemporary jazz, hip hop and any other genre that just happen to flow with the music.

They will be making their return to Storeroom to give us a fresh taste of their newest material! An event not to be missed.

Date: 13^th March

Time: 8:00 pm

Place: Storeroom

Sip and Paint – Emma’s Kitchen

The perfect combo for a chill night – painting with a glass of wine. SIP and PAINT MALTA along with Emma’s Kitchen are hosting a painting guided sessions for the evening.

Date: 17^th March

Time: 7:00 pm till 9:00 pm

Place: Emma’s Kitchen, San Gwann

Panel Discussion: Art & Activism

A panel discussion will be held on art being a form of activism.

Four well-known names among the local art scene will be present; Seb Tanti Burlò, political cartoonist and artist, Immanuel Mifsud, lecturer and writer, Margerita Pulè, curtator and cultural manager, and Raffaella Zammit from Gabriel Caruana Foundation.

This variety in the panel will surely give an insightful discussion on such interesting topic.

Date: 17^th March

Time: 7:00 pm till 9:00pm

Place: Valletta Contemporary

ĊineXjenza: The Human Brain on Film

As part of Brain Awareness Week 2020, ĊineXjenza has invited local neuroscience specialists in order to share their favourite “brain-on-film” moments. They will be sharing the good, the bad and the ugly side of neuroscience through the use of movie clips. An interesting take to discuss such a heavy topic.

Date: 17^th March

Time: 7:00 pm

Place: Spazju Kreattiv, Cinema Room

Il Ballo del Decennio

Another year, another ball! Relieve some mid-term stress by going all out for Il Ballo del Decennio in your best attire, and get ready for a night of high class partying you’ll remember throughout your university days … or won’t remember, depends on whether you make good use of their open bar!

Date: 14^th March

Time: 9:30 pm

Place: Montekristo Wine Vaults

HealthFest on Campus

MMSA are back with the HealthFest’20 and they are going all out! Three different events, three different locations, three different topics, all with one goal.

HealthFest ’20 | Event on Quad

The first event will be focusing on the environmental issues that are impacting our country, and the world, and how all of this is also impacting our health.

Quadrangle will be overflowing with a variety of fun activities, health checks, informative talks and to keep you hydrated throughout the day; stands offering healthy products!

Date: 18^th March

Time: 12:00 pm till 5:00 pm

Place: Quadrangle

HealthFest ’20 | Ta’ Qali

This will be their biggest event yet! What better way to spend the day than enjoying the fresh air and greenery at Ta’ Qali?

Zumba Classes, workshops, competitions, health checks – YOU NAME IT! A jam-packed day filled with amazing activities.

Date: 22^nd March

Time: 10:00 am till 3:00 pm

Place: Ta’ Qali

HealthFest ’20 | National Clean up

And last but not least, MMSA are ending the three-day event with a National Clean up.

They will be collaborating with the major environmental activist, Cami Appelgren and her team, for better coordination throughout the day.

Date: 28^th March

Time: 8:30 am till 12:30 pm

Place: “Bombi” Area at Valletta

The Mind and Sanskirt Speech

Betapsi will be holding a talk looking at the modern psychology which evolved out of Sanskirt – an antique Indian language. Not your usual kind of topic but interesting nonetheless!

Date: 18^th March

Time: 12:00 pm till 2:00 pm

Place: University of Malta

Oxygyn live at Storeroom!

Oxygyn is hitting up the stage at Storeroom! With their newly released single, Venom, they will be blessing our earbuds with their music.

Oxygyn is an indie-pop band based in Malta, with a passion for making music that matters, composed of the sibling duo Kurt Abela and Katia Abela, Janelle Borg and Luke Camilleri. Their aim is to make music that inspires others, the same music that has always inspired them, by exploring important human and social issues through song.

Date: 19^th March

Time: 8:00 pm

Place: Storeroom

Bisazza Street Food Fest

A two-day event to satisfy your taste buds with a variety of food trucks! Choose from sweets, beers, pizzas and all in between! Aside from that, live entertainment will be taking place to keep you hyped throughout the event.

Date: 20^th March till the 21^st March

Time: 12:00 pm till 9:00 pm / 10:00 am till 9:00 pm

Place: Bisazza Street Sliema

Panel Discussion: Life After Art School

Just graduated art school? Or an undergraduate? Curious what happens after all that studying and hard work? A panel discussion will be held on how to pursue a career in the art sector and what are the similar struggles an artist faces.

The panel will have a variety of individuals such as Aaron Bezzina and Stefan Spiteri, both visual artists, Luke Azzopardi, a fashion designer and couturier, Sabrina Calleja Jackson, artist and curator, and Charlene Galea, a performance artist. All with their own story to tell!

Date: 20^th March

Time: 7:00 pm till 9:00 pm

Place: Valletta Contemporary

The One Where They Did it Again! Betapsi’s Friends Quiz Night

Betapsi are back with another F.R.I.E.N.D.S quiz night! Come on down and prove you are a true fan!

Date: 20^th March

Time: 6:30 pm till 9:00 pm

Place: University of Malta

Parklajf

A big event for all ages! The event will take place in Manikata at Tal-Qasam – a variety of beers and mouthwatering food will be overflowing throughout the day. Your earbuds will surely be blessed by some of the best vinyl selection; Patman, Owen Jay and Brian – Sunset Records.

Kids 12 years and under have free entry.

Date: 22^nd March

Time: 10:00 am till 10:00 pm

Place: Tal-Qasam: Rural Events Destination

Aqta’ Xiex: Kwiżż dwar l-ilsien Malti

An event to show off your Maltese skills and to strengthen them as well! Għaqda tal-Malti collaborated with Inspire to present this quiz.

Date: 25^th March

Time: 12:00 pm till 1:00 pm

Place: University of Malta

Open mic and live music of protest

Another Open Mic is upon us! A variety of poetry, prose and songs. It is open to all students and the general public who would like to share their works or to just simply relax and enjoy Maltese talent.

In collaboration with Inizjamed.

Date: 27^th March

Time: 6:45 pm till 9:00 pm

Place: Quadrangle

Anomaly // SACES Easter Workshop

SACES are organising a workshop to explore the ideology of anomalies. Anomalous structures and ideas will be explored in order to understand the nature of such phenomena.

Those interested are to apply before the 18^th of March.

Date: 27^th March till the 29^th March

Time: 6:00 pm / 4:00 pm

Place: Faculty For The Built Environment

Archoholics // Keith Carnal

A performance by an international artist; Keith Carnal. Exploring the world of techno – surely an event to be remembered!

Supporting artists:

• Dave Space
• CND
• Sean Rickett

Date: 27^th March

Time: 10:00 pm

Place: Magazino Hall

The post What is happening in March? appeared first on The Third Eye.