Nimxu Mixja

The interdisciplinary artistic project ‘Nimxu Mixja’ (Let's Take a Walk) introduced Year 5 students - from St Theresa College, Birkirkara Primary School, Malta - to walking practice as an artistic form. The project also fostered a sense of community and a deeper understanding of their town, Birkirkara. The children were encouraged to rethink how space is used and to exchange their ideas, hopes and solutions on where they live, play and study. Furthermore the project aimed to present an alternative to the car culture that is prevalent in society today and which hinders a sense of ownership or community. Through walking, the students explored and interacted with the urban environment in the vicinity of their school. The students tried out different methods of mapping the walks, while discovering the place using different senses (sight, hearing, smell, touch). This led to a better understanding of their surroundings, cultural background and traditions where human activity is realised.Walking practice affects one’s well-being as it shapes the relationship and interaction of body, landscape (urban and/or rural), action and site within a specific time and space. By analysing the present without forgetting the past, the students reflected on Birkirkara’s changing landscape in relation to its memory, geography, architecture, heritage as well as its hidden and neglected spaces. The walks were processed further through drawing, language, creative writing, maths and social studies lessons. The project culminated in a final community walk - open for all students, relatives and the Birkirkara community - and an exhibition displaying the students’ process work at The Mill - Art, Culture and Crafts Centre. 'Nimxu Mixja' was awarded the Premju għall-Arti as 'Best project in the community' and nominated as ‘Best work for young audiences'.