01 Sep A new Artistic Director for ŻfinMalta National dance company
ŻfinMalta National Dance Company is seeking a new Artistic Director, as it approaches its 10-year anniversary. Current Artistic Director Paolo Mangiola leaves the role in July 2024, following a term of seven years. Mangiola joined a fledgling ŻfinMalta at the end of its third season and has since led Malta’s national dance company through a period of extraordinary growth, bringing recognition at a local and international level. As a result, contemporary dance now has a place at the forefront of Malta’s performing arts scene, with an ever-expanding and dedicated local audience.
During his tenure, Mangiola has attracted some of the most important established and pioneering choreographers working on the international stage, including Tânia Carvalho, Emanuel Gat, Roy Assaf, Rosemary Lee, Sergiu Matis, Nuria Guiu and Francesca Pennini to name a few. The company’s upcoming season features Mauro Bigonzetti, Ambra Senatore, and Lesley Telford, as well as musical collaborations with The New Victorians and Alexandra Alden. Mangiola has also assembled an international cast of the highest calibre and leaves a company of ten full time dancers and two apprentices.
Alongside ŻfinMalta’s extensive repertoire, Mangiola has overseen an inclusive and participatory education and outreach programme for people from all backgrounds, with any relationship to movement. His pedagogical background has held his focus on the establishment of an open and expansive dance ecology with opportunities for aspiring, emerging and established dance artists to realise their potential and connect with ŻfinMalta audiences and communities.
Chairperson of NAPA, Alison White, says: ‘I am honoured to have been Chairperson since the birth of ŻfinMalta in 2014. In this time, I have seen the company progress and develop, with a beautifully high standard of professionalism and artistry in the realm of contemporary dance. Paolo Mangiola will be greatly missed, but he has left a wonderful legacy and repertoire for the company to continue to perform and build on. We wish him every success in his new adventure. I look forward to the next chapter for ŻfinMalta and the lead-up to our 10-year anniversary.’
ŻfinMalta national dance company approaches this milestone anniversary in a period of great strength and growth, with an increasing international profile and an extensive touring schedule. It is anticipated the new incoming director will bring the requisite knowledge, networks, and vision to continue leading the company on its current trajectory.
