An invitation to anything at MICAS (The Malta Contemporary Art Space, is always a delight. I love the building - it's a masterstroke of design. It turned the almost unknown historic landscape of the Ospizio in Floriana into a welcoming and useful space. The Italian architects have skillfully woven part of the Floriana bastions into the architecture, giving the space a powerful sense of place and authenticity. And there's the practical bonus too: ample space, including convenient parking.

MICAS is so well run by a committed team led by the indefatigable Phyllis Muscat, whose dedication shines through in every detail. In fact MICAS has just earned the prestigious 'Project of the Year Award' at the Public Service Awards 2024. Congratulations to her and her team.

But let me go on with the theme of today's Diary, the latest exhibition, The Space we Inhabit.

When I arrived with two friends, the crowd was already building - a testament to how much the community values this cultural haven.

Now, I know some may think this is superficial, but I believe in dressing to honour the occasion and the people behind it. It's a gesture of respect. This wasn't a beach day; it was a meaningful cultural event. T-shirts and shorts felt entirely out of place. Long trousers and a shirt - ideally long-sleeved - should be the minimum. A tie and jacket aren't mandatory, but seeing several guests in full suit and tie was heartening. The heat is still bearable after all.

Minister Owen Bonnici, whose portfolio is Heritage and the Arts, arrived looking sharp in a full suit, setting the tone perfectly. It truly lifts the spirit to see men and women embracing the moment, dressing with care and intention. This was an important exhibition - a celebration of creative vision and hard work. Why shouldn't we show our appreciation in how we present ourselves?

We were there for the inauguration of the third MICAS exhibition.

There were a handful of speeches and here are the highlights.

Dr Owen Bonnici said that less than a year after its inauguration, MICAS has launched its third exhibition, with preparations already underway for a fourth to coincide with its first anniversary. This cultural institution, backed by a €30 million investment, has quickly become a notable destination in Malta's artistic landscape.

In his address, the Minister highlighted MICAS's ambition to be a home for both Maltese and international contemporary art. The museum's collaborations with acclaimed international artists such as Conrad Shawcross, Joana Vasconcelos, and Sir Antony Gormley -  a forthcoming retrospective on American painter Milton Avery - reflect its growing international relevance.

The current exhibition showcases the work of six prominent Maltese artists: Caesar Attard, Joyce Camilleri, Anton Grech, Pierre Portelli, Vince Briffa, and Austin Camilleri. Their work speaks not only to national identity but to shared human experiences, blending aesthetics, thought, and personal expression."

Minister Bonnici described the exhibition as a declaration of excellence, emphasizing that these artists are deeply committed to their practice and continue to shape Malta's evolving artistic narrative. MICAS, he said, is not just hosting art - it is building meaningful dialogues within the global art community.

Here is Executive Chairperson Phyllis Muscat's speech:

"It is with great pride that today we inaugurate the exhibition The Space We Inhabit - an important exhibition for MICAS and for Maltese contemporary art.

From the very beginning, our vision for MICAS has been twofold: to bring world-class contemporary art to Malta, and to ensure that excellent Maltese artists are recognised and celebrated on both a national and global platform.

This exhibition, like many others still to come, continues to fulfil that mission.

We are honoured that this evening we are presenting the work of six exceptional Maltese artists each of whom brings a distinct voice and perspective to this exhibition.

Their practices in painting, sculpture, and audiovisual art have evolved over decades. Today, in the MICAS galleries, they are united through a common inquiry: how we perceive and experience the spaces we live in.

The result is an exhibition that is both intimate and expansive: some artists invite us to consider physical space, while others turn to the imaginary or to psychological and emotional states.

It is worth noting that these artists embody the long-standing call for Malta to have its own dedicated institution for contemporary art. Today, as we see their work take over the entirety of the museum, this exhibition symbolises the echo of that call.

Beyond the fact that these are Maltese artists, they are artists whose work is of the highest artistic rigour and has been exhibited around the world. Their art has deep roots in Maltese sensibilities, but opens outwards to universal themes.

Therefore, the tired distinctions of the past - between what is 'local' or 'foreign' - are obsolete. These are contemporary artists with practices that don't require justification by past comparisons; with an intellectual confidence that is synonymous with any other leading artist.

This is why MICAS was created: to ensure that Malta's contemporary art scene is given the visibility and critical framework it deserves.

And to honour the artists who have shaped Malta's cultural landscape, and who are continuing to push its boundaries - a reflection on where we've come from; and excitement for where we're heading." Then Mrs Muscat thanked a number of entities involved in the exhibition starting with the artists, the Ministry and ending with a thank you for the guests "your belief in this project gives us the strength to continue enriching our ambitious artistic programme."

Here is a shortened version of Artistic Director Edith Devaney's speech: "It's a pleasure to welcome visitors to this group exhibition, showcasing six exceptional Malta-based artists: Caesar Attard, Vince Briffa, Austin Camilleri, Joyce Camilleri, Anton Grech, and Pierre Portelli. This is part of MICAS's ongoing commitment to presenting exhibitions that balance global excellence with Maltese cultural identity.

Each artist brings a distinct 'point of view' - a concept celebrated by Robert Rauschenberg -and interprets the theme of "space" in deeply personal and diverse ways. Their works transcend traditional landscape ideas, exploring space as literal, imaginative, metaphysical, and more. What emerges is not just individual expression, but a collective dialogue that enriches the exhibition's scope.

Thanks go to the artists for their trust and collaboration, to the MICAS board and CEO Phyllis Muscat for their steadfast support, and to the hardworking MICAS team for bringing this vision to life."

Led by the Minister and Executive chairperson we began to look at the works of art on the three floors. Overlooking Marsamxett Harbour, comprising 1,400 square metres of indoor exhibition space, even with so many people turning up, we could move in comfort. Some big sculptures and paintings could only be shown in a place such as this in order to be appreciated.

While some works in the exhibition challenged my understanding and emotional response -particularly those composed of abstract dabs of paint or arrangements of stone - I appreciated the opportunity to engage with perspectives beyond my usual frame of reference. These pieces invited contemplation and offered a glimpse into artistic expression that prioritizes form, texture, and feeling over direct narrative. In truth, to truly appreciate all those works of art I shall have to go again. One visit is stimply not enough.

The Space We Inhabit is open until October. For details and updates go to their Facebook page. Don't miss it and above all if you haven't visited MICAS yet take this opportunity and go.

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