‘Mgħawġin’ is carving out a quiet but important space in Gozo as a literary home for emerging writers who are looking for both a place to be heard and a community to grow with.
The name itself, which means “twisted” or “entwined” in Maltese, reflects the project’s spirit. It is about weaving together different voices, styles, and stories that might not always fit into mainstream publishing. In Gozo, where artistic projects often struggle for visibility compared to Malta, ‘Mgħawġin’ offers young and first-time authors a chance to publish, perform, and connect without the pressure of big industry expectations.
The initiative focuses on creating opportunities rather than gatekeeping. Workshops, readings, and small-run publications give new writers room to experiment with poetry, short fiction, and personal essays in both Maltese and English. Organizers say the goal is not just to put words on a page, but to build confidence, to encourage honest storytelling, and to show that Gozo has its own literary pulse worth nurturing.
For many contributors, ‘Mgħawġin’ is the first time their work has been shared beyond family and friends. That makes the space feel less like a formal institution and more like a gathering, where feedback is supportive and collaboration is encouraged. Local cafes, cultural centers, and libraries have become informal venues, turning literature into something accessible and rooted in the island’s daily life.
In a cultural landscape that often looks outward, ‘Mgħawġin’ is looking inward to Gozo’s own talent. By giving emerging writers a home, it is helping ensure that the next generation of Maltese and Gozitan stories have a place to begin, to be twisted together, and to find readers who are willing to listen.
