The catalogue of the Malta Biennale 2026 was launched this morning, during a presentation of the publication to Her Excellency Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta, at San Anton Palace.
The presentation was delivered by the President of the Malta Biennale 2026, Mario Cutajar, in the presence of the Artistic Director of this second edition of the Biennale, Rosa Martínez, along with several officials from Heritage Malta, the Malta Biennale 2026 organisation, and UNESCO, who, together with the President of Malta, have granted their patronage to this edition of the Malta Biennale.
Mario Cutajar explained that the legacy of the Malta Biennale 2026 has been fully captured in this publication, which brings together not only all the artworks exhibited in this second edition, but all the events that took place throughout the Biennale.
“This catalogue includes the works of more than 130 artists, both those in the international exhibition and those in the pavilions. It also documents the activities held within the public programme of the Malta Biennale, as well as the satellite events which form part of the wider programme of the Biennale,” explained Mr Cutajar. He concluded by stating that this publication by Heritage Malta Publishing pays tribute both to the Malta Biennale – which in its second edition has strengthened its position as a noteworthy international platform within the global contemporary art scene – and to Heritage Malta, which produces the Malta Biennale.
The President of Malta, Her Excellency Myriam Spiteri Debono, thanked all those involved for ensuring that this second edition of the Biennale reaches a high standard and achieves broader participation by exhibiting artists, participating countries, and the public alike. She emphasised that modern art should reflect the challenges and concerns that humanity is experiencing at any given moment, “in real time”, with people seeking innovative solutions born out of human resilience and creativity and, above all, fostering awareness of issues that concern us all. The President also wished the newly established Malta Biennale Foundation every success in its future endeavours.
This second edition of the Malta Biennale is being held across 11 Heritage Malta sites and museums in four different localities and will remain open until Friday, 29th May 2026, after running for 11 weeks. It features the participation of more than 130 artists from 44 different countries, including Malta, with artworks presented in an international exhibition and across 24 national and thematic pavilions. Throughout the Malta Biennale, more than 80 activities are taking place as part of a public programme tailored for people of all ages and from different walks of life, as well as a number of satellite events which strengthen the Biennale’s programme.
This second edition of the Malta Biennale has attracted international attention, with several publications naming Malta as one of the most favoured destinations during the Biennale period.
The Malta Biennale positions itself as a bridge between generations, between past and present, between cultural heritage and contemporary art, and is therefore distinct from other biennales currently held around the world, amounting to circa 350 in number, half of which take place in Europe. The Malta Biennale is also the only biennale which is held within museums and historic sites. This premise has attracted the patronage of UNESCO, with the organisation noting how the concept and ethos underpinning the Biennale closely aligns with its own mission. Furthermore, the patronage of the President of Malta also reflects the national identity of the Malta Biennale, which is also the only biennale that bears the name of a country rather than a specific city or region.
The Malta Biennale is organised by Heritage Malta in partnership with Arts Council Malta, Visit Malta, the Valletta Cultural Agency and Public Broadcasting Services. The Malta Biennale is also being held in full collaboration with the Ministry for Culture, Lands and Local Government, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, and the Ministry for Gozo and Planning.
The Malta Biennale is online: www.maltabiennale.art
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