On this lovely Sunday, I won't be sharing one of my experiences working with an artist on their solo show, nor a small group exhibition. Instead, I'll be sharing some insights about the much-anticipated second edition of the Malta Biennale, which will take place from March 11th to May 29th, 2026, and let me tell you, it promises to be spectacular!

As announced earlier this year, the Artistic Director for this edition of the Malta Biennale will be Rosa Martínez. For those familiar with the art world, both locally and internationally, this name will certainly ring many bells. For those who aren't, worry not, here's a bit of context: Rosa Martínez curated Austin Camilleri's solo exhibition LE.IVA, held in 2020 at Spazju Kreattiv, and in 2018 she curated the major collective exhibition Constellation Malta, presented across various heritage sites in Valletta and Gozo. Her curatorial career spans over 30 years and includes directing and curating biennales worldwide.

Let's move on to some impressive numbers and key points from the press conference held at the Gran Salon, National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta, on October 23, 2025. The Malta Biennale 2026 issued three open calls - one for artists, one for pavilions, and one for satellite events - all of which received an incredible response.

Following months of rigorous evaluation by its curatorial team, composed of Alexia Medici and Antoine Borg Micallef, 47 applications were selected for the main exhibition of the Biennale's second edition, chosen from over 3,200 submissions representing 122 countries.

During the press conference, the national pavilions, select thematic pavilions, and the number of participating satellite events were also announced, along with details of the Biennale's upcoming public events programme.

The Minister for Culture, Lands and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, stated that the second edition of the Malta Biennale will build upon the solid foundations of the first edition. "The inaugural edition was a success; the second will be an even greater success. This is further confirmation of the Maltese Government's strong commitment towards contemporary art and its vigorous dedication in promoting Maltese artists and creatives."

Malta Biennale 2026 President and Heritage Malta Chairman, Mario Cutajar, said that, "The second edition of the Biennale is going to cement the future of this international contemporary art platform. The Biennale embraces a unique concept - one which was recognised by UNESCO as being closely aligned with its own objectives and principles. So much so that the inaugural edition of the Biennale was held under the auspices of UNESCO. At its core, the Biennale seeks to revisit the past in ways that inspire artists to reflect on the present by fostering dialogue within society and deepening our collective understanding of today's world."

The President of the Malta Biennale 2026 proceeded to explain how "The significant increase in artistic proposals - across the main exhibition, pavilions, and newly introduced satellite events - not only highlights the success of the inaugural Biennale but also demonstrates a growing confidence in the future of this platform. Held under the patronage of the President of Malta, the Biennale is organised by the national agency Heritage Malta, across several historical sites and museums."

Furthermore, Mr Cutajar noted how, "The curatorial team faced a remarkable challenge in selecting the artists and projects for the main exhibition from over 3,200 applications representing 122 countries. The Malta Biennale 2026 will also feature some 31 pavilions, 15 satellite events, and 66 activities forming part of a robust public and educational programme. From March till May 2026, these projects and events will transform Malta into a vibrant hub of artistic creativity in the Mediterranean during a period in which Maltese culture and traditions reach peak activity."

During her speech, artistic director and international curator, Rosa Martínez, noted how, "The Malta Biennale has a wonderful energy. Fuelled by the illusion of the beginnings, it is moved by the desire of inventing a world, and of creating a meaningful event, both locally and internationally. It also has the goal of providing a significant platform for Maltese artists." Furthermore, she expressed how, despite being a small country, Malta has huge ambitions. Given that the number of artists within the archipelago is limited in size, it was inevitable that some names be repeated in the second edition.

However, this also had its advantages, given that, "in this manner, artists have the opportunity of interacting further with international peers whilst also developing their aesthetic visions, in close dialogue with every new curator."

Rosa Martínez also gave some insight as to interconnectedness between the selection of artists' projects and the relevance of site, space, and history: "The selected projects will be related to the narratives embodied in each of the Heritage Malta venues. For instance, for the Inquisitor's Palace, I will select artists who try to bring to light the different forms of wisdom that the Inquisition tried to repress throughout the centuries. The issues of crime and punishment, the power to decide on life and death, will be analysed to reflect on how ideologies control our lives. In the prehistoric sites, we will deal with cosmological issues, with fertility and care as essential traits of being human. In the Maritime Museum, there will be projects pointing to the happenings in international waters, where the law of the different countries is suspended in favour of international regulations."

She concluded by saying: "We are immersed in an adventurous process of dialogue and invention, of fantasy and discipline, in the ethical reconstruction of the way we live together."

Less than five months to go! Excitement levels are high. Stay tuned and check out the revamped official Biennale website: maltabiennale.art!

The Malta Biennale is organised by Heritage Malta, in partnership with Arts Council Malta and in collaboration with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, the Ministry for Culture, Lands and Local Government, and with Visit Malta.

Melanie Erixon is the Executive Coordinator of Malta Biennale 2026