Malta's participation in two major international art platforms in 2026 has been announced: the Venice Art Biennale and, for the first time, the Gwangju Biennale in South Korea, a leading contemporary art event in Asia. The announcement was made during an event at the Malta International Contemporary Art Space.
In his address, Minister Owen Bonnici emphasised that Malta's presence in these events reflects the high calibre of Maltese artists and the country's growing international cultural profile. He described Malta's debut in Gwangju as an important expansion of the national cultural presence beyond Europe.
Dr Luke Dalli, Chief Executive of the Arts Council Malta, said that participation in both Venice and Gwangju demonstrates a firm commitment to artistic excellence and to strengthening Malta's cultural identity on the global stage.
The sixty-first Venice Biennale, titled In Minor Keys and curated by the late Koyo Kouoh, explores poetic and sensory dimensions associated with musical minor keys. Malta's pavilion, titled No Need to Sparkle; Experiments in Love and Revolution, will be curated by Margerita Pulè with works by Adrian MM Abela, Charlie Cauchi and Raphael Vella. It will run from 9 May to 22 November and will examine the notion of thoughtful doubt as a catalyst for reflection.
The selection process for the pavilion involved senior cultural figures and was moderated by Dr Romina Delia of the Arts Council Malta.
Malta's debut in Gwangju, held from September to December 2026, will feature the project BEJN / IN-BETWEEN under the Biennale theme You Must Change Your Life. Hosted at the Horanggasy Art Polygon Gallery, the project brings together artists Norbert Francis Attard, Sam Alekksandra, Julien Vinet and Michael Quinton, with project director Toni Attard and extended-reality support by Infinita. The artworks will explore cultural ecosystems between Malta and Korea through immersive installations.
The Gwangju selection panel also included senior international and Maltese cultural leaders, with moderation again provided by Dr Romina Delia.