The Malta Biennale: Welcoming the world to our shores

Owen Bonnici (Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government.)

I have always strongly believed in culture and the arts to transform, unite, and inspire. The second edition of the Malta Biennale, to commence on March 14, over 11 weeks, will do just that. It already did, in its first edition, which was an extraordinary success. The second edition, I'm sure, will be even better.

For years now, Malta has been taking an active part in various art biennales, and the Malta pavilions have always been a huge success. Last year, the Malta biennale at the London Design Biennale placed first. This year, we shall be taking part, once again, in the Venice Art Biennale. For the first time, there will be a Malta pavilion at the Gwangju Art Biennale in South Korea.

But as a Labour government that invests heavily in culture and the arts, we felt the need to host a biennale of our own. The first edition was an absolute success. On the back of that first edition, this year, Heritage Malta will organise the second edition, which, from the experience of the first one, will be even better.

The Malta Biennale 2026 continues to strengthen Malta's standing on the international contemporary art stage. But the Malta Biennale is more than the hosting of art exhibitions and cultural events. It is Malta's way of positioning itself as a centre of thought, innovation, and cultural dialogue.

Under the artistic direction of internationally renowned curator Rosa Martínez, this year's biennale will bring together more than 130 local and international artists from 43 countries. In total, over 140 artists will participate, presenting works that reflect a diverse range of creative practices, experiences, and perspectives from across the globe. The Biennale will be held under the patronage of the President of Malta, Myriam Spiteri Debono, because culture and the arts are a top priority for this government.

The Italian artist, Maurizio Cattelan, known for his satirical and often provocative works, will be part of the best international talent taking part in the Malta Biennale. Through the second edition of the Malta Biennale, we shall be welcoming the world to our shores - a remarkable shift from Malta as a cultural exporter, although we continue to do that successfully, to a cultural convenor.

The Malta Biennale is rooted in a broader vision that sees culture as central to national progress. Through sustained investment and policy support, the Labour government has sought to position culture not only as a tourism asset but as a driver of innovation, education, and international dialogue.

Throughout the 11-week programme, Valletta, Birgu, and Gozo will serve as vibrant hubs of artistic activity. Historic sites across these locations will once again provide dramatic backdrops for contemporary works, creating a dialogue between Malta's layered past and the urgent questions of the present.

A notable innovation in this edition is the inclusion of a pavilion organised by the Correctional Services Agency, featuring artworks created by residents within the correctional system. The initiative is being described as a powerful statement of inclusion and belief in the transformative potential of art.

The presence of artists from 43 countries is expected to generate deep cultural exchange, turning Malta into a laboratory of ideas.

A huge thanks goes to the Biennale President and Heritage Malta Chair Mario Cutajar, his team and all the people at Heritage Malta led by the Chief Executive Noel Zammit.

Carnival

Despite the inclement weather, Carnival 2026 was another success. Unfortunately, strong winds and frequent showers disrupted what could have been one of the best local carnivalshows ever, but the carnival enthusiasts are remarkably resilient, and despite the challenges they often face, given that carnival happens at the peak of the winter season, they stood up for the occasion and gave it their best shot. 

I had the pleasure of meeting most of them, together with Prime Minister Robert Abela, as we thanked them for their love, passion, and dedication. We reiterate our commitment to provide them with state-of-the-art premises, which will be the Culture and Arts Hub in Malta.

The funds have already been secured and the first contract awarded. We will have opportunity to speak more about this project very soon.

MICAS

It has been a year since the inauguration of MICAS - Malta International Contemporary Art Space, a unique art space and the first of its kind in Malta, which has, within a short span of time, become a leading art space in the Mediterranean region. This week, MICAS published "MICAS: Malta International Contemporary Art Space", a new volume tracing the history and transformation of Malta's newest cultural landmark. Published by Electa and edited by architect Marco Mulazzani, the book explores MICAS as both an architectural intervention and a hybrid institution.

Launched alongside the exhibition "Beyond the Bastions," the publication highlights the site's evolution from 17th-century fortifications to a contemporary museum. MICAS is currently hosting Colour, Form and Composition, featuring works by Milton Avery and leading contemporary artists. I encourage you to visit.

Laurence Grech

For all my youth and much of my adult life, Laurence Grech has been a leading voice in the local media landscape. For many years, he edited The Sunday Times of Malta, and when he retired, the media houses sought his views as a regular guest on current affairs talk shows. I had the pleasure of knowing Laurence. He was a gentleman of the old school, with a sharp and incisive pen, who wore his political beliefs on his sleeves, but he was professional and knew how not to make it personal. For that, and for his sterling journalist career, I have always admired Laurence Grech. This week, he sadly passed away. My sincere condolences to his wife, Lilian, his sons, Gerald, Edward, and Robert, and to his colleagues at Times of Malta and beyond.