Originally Malta’s Pavilion at the 2017 Venice Biennale, the project returns to the Island as part of a wider programme showcasing the country’s internationally acclaimed cultural works
Arts Council Malta has inaugurated the Homo Melitensis project at MUŻA, Valletta. The exhibition, which was first presented as Malta’s Pavilion at the Venice Art Biennale in 2017, is now being shown locally as part of the RETOLD initiative as part of an ongoing project showcasing works that have brought international recognition to Malta.
Speaking at the inauguration, Dr Luke Dalli, Executive Chair of Arts Council Malta, said:
“Arts Council Malta is the main platform for Maltese and Gozitan artists and creatives to develop their skills and enhance the country’s reputation, both in Malta and internationally. We are making significant investments in the local artist community, and thanks to a strong economy, we are generating wealth through art and culture.
“RETOLD is one of many initiatives that the Council is undertaking to strengthen art and culture in our country. We are not satisfied with merely being good in these fields but aim to be among the best. With the investments we are making, and because Maltese artists are talented, today we have secured a top position in the world. With this third exhibition, we continue to bring these projects where they belong. For us, it is important that what emerged from Malta and made an impact abroad, returns to inspire, confront, and strengthen the local dialogue.”
Dr Dalli added that the cultural and creative sectors are currently at an important stage, as Arts Council Malta has begun the process of developing Strategy 2030, with ENVISION2050 forming a key part of this process and aiming to align the ambitions of artists and practitioners with the wider national context.
Extending Malta’s global cultural footprint
Annabelle Stivala, Chief Executive of the Department for International and Cultural Relations within Arts Council Malta, highlighted the importance of international projects in raising Malta’s cultural profile:
“Over the past year, this department has been highly active, introducing numerous incentives that not only increase the visibility of the Council but also provide new opportunities for Maltese and Gozitan artists and creatives. Our aim is to serve as a platform for local artists to expand beyond our shores.”
She cited initiatives such as Malta’s participation in the London Design Biennale with the URNA project, the EUNIC Film Festival, the International Cultural Exchanges Scheme, the International Network for Contemporary Performing Arts, preparations for the Gwangju Art Biennale in South Korea – where Malta will participate for the first time – and the upcoming Venice Art Biennale in 2026.
Homo Melitensis: An Incomplete Inventory in 19 Chapters is co-curated by Raphael Vella and Bettina Hutschek, and explores the notion of identity. The Pavilion was commissioned by Arts Council Malta and presented the concept of ‘Maltese Man,’ while addressing national identity and imaginaries linked to territory, memory, religion and language.
What the artists termed as an “incomplete inventory” was a complex installation developed through academic research, conversations with theoreticians, scientists, writers, artists and curators, and an artistic re-imagining of local realities.
The RETOLD projects
Besides Homo Melitensis: An Incomplete Inventory in 19 Chapters, the RETOLD programme features extended versions of landmark projects:
- Urban Fabric – This project was exhibited at the London Design Biennale and was Malta’s first participation in this prestigious event. Locally exhibited in June at the Mdina Ditch.
- Revisiting Maleth – Exhibited at the Venice Biennale, local exhibition dates to be announced.
- URNA – The winning project that participated in the 2025 London Design Biennale. Local exhibition: September to November at Qabar Ħaġar Qim, Qrendi.
- The Ship (Unseen) – Building on concepts explored in I Will Follow the Ship, exhibited at the Venice Biennale. Local exhibition: October to November, inside the Inquisitor’s Church, Vittoriosa
- Archangelo Sassolino: Cunning Diplomacy – Conflict: Fire, Steel and Paper – Exhibited at the Venice Biennale. Local exhibition: 9 October to 3 January at the Victor Pasmore Art Museum, Valletta.
For more information about RETOLD visit https://artscouncil.abcnow.xyz.
