The Malta Biennale Foundation has just been set up with the aim of strengthening this international contemporary art festival, held every two years by Heritage Malta primarily within its historic sites and museums. This Foundation, which falls under the responsibility of Heritage Malta and forms an integral part of it, was created jointly by the agency and the government through the Ministry for Culture, Lands and Local Government. The decision to establish the Foundation was taken by Cabinet on 10th March of this year.
The Malta Biennale is currently in its second edition. The inaugural edition, held two years ago, achieved immediate success. In 2024, some of the world's leading contemporary artists took part, and the Malta Biennale attracted significant international media attention, with several outlets naming Malta as a top destination during this new international art festival. In that edition, more than 2500 artists from over 100 countries applied to participate, and 14 thematic or national pavilions took part.
The success of the Malta Biennale 2024 was confirmed by a survey carried out at the end of the event in May of that year. Over 80% of Maltese respondents stated that the Malta Biennale is not only necessary for the country to showcase and deepen appreciation for its heritage, but also essential for artists themselves and for the local artistic scene. More than 75% of the artists said they were satisfied with their experience at the Malta Biennale and would encourage other artists to take part in future editions.
The second edition of the Malta Biennale is currently underway, building on what began in 2024. Internationally renowned artists are participating, and applications for the 2026 edition have increased by around 30%, surpassing 3200 submissions. The number of pavilions has also grown - in fact, they have doubled since two years ago, with more than 50 applications to choose from.
This edition of the Malta Biennale is being held across 11 Heritage Malta sites and museums, and spans 11 weeks until the end of May. At the halfway point, attendance is very encouraging, with all participating sites reporting a notable increase in visitors. The Biennale locations are in Valletta, Birgu, Xagħra, and the Ċittadella in Gozo.
The Malta Biennale enjoys the patronage of the President of Malta and UNESCO. Two years ago, the President of the Malta Biennale and Chairman of Heritage Malta, Mario Cutajar, explained that the Malta Biennale's unique concept attracted UNESCO's prestigious patronage because its aims align closely with those of UNESCO. Equally significant, he added, is the patronage of the President of Malta, which reflects national commitment to the Malta Biennale.
"The decision to establish this Foundation shows that the Biennale requires permanence, and permanence comes through structure. Through this Foundation, the Malta Biennale will continue to establish itself as a major cultural event in our islands, as a showcase of Maltese heritage, and as an anchor securing Malta's place on the international contemporary art calendar. All this while remaining true to its core concept: serving as a bridge between history and the contemporary, as a link between generations, and as a way to better understand the present by drawing inspiration from the historical experiences of the past, so that we may look forward with greater confidence," said Mario Cutajar during the establishment of the Malta Biennale Foundation.
The Foundation was formally established at MUŻA, the National Community Art Museum and the 'home' of the Biennale, through a contract signed before Government Notary Dr Keith German. The contract was signed by Mario Cutajar as Chairman of Heritage Malta and by Kevin Mahoney, Permanent Secretary representing the Ministry for Culture, Lands and Local Government. Present for the signing were Noel Zammit, Heritage Malta's Chief Executive Officer; Kenneth Gambin, the agency's Chief Operations Officer; and Russell Muscat, Manager of Heritage Malta's International Department. Mr Zammit, Mr Gambin, and Mr Muscat are members of the Executive Board of the Malta Biennale Foundation, while Mario Cutajar is its first President.