Malta Biennale 2026 Granted Patronage of UNESCO

VALLETTA, Malta, February 11, 2026

Malta Biennale 2026, which will open in just under a month’s time, has been granted the prestigious patronage of UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, following the distinguished patronage of Her Excellency the President of Malta last year. UNESCO’s Director General congratulated the promotion of intercultural dialogue and arts and described this initiative as one which is in line with the mission of UNESCO.

Organised by Heritage Malta, the Malta Biennale this year marks its second edition, after the international contemporary art platform was launched in 2024. Since the first edition, the Biennale has achieved international success and has received significant international exposure from a number of newspapers and magazines in various countries – placing Malta firmly on the global contemporary art calendar. This second edition, which has internationally renowned curator Rosa Martínez as its Artistic Director, is also receiving considerable international media attention, with Malta being identified as a preferred destination alongside seven others to visit during the Malta Biennale, which will be taking place between mid-March and the end of May.

More than 130 artists from over 40 different countries around the world will be participating in the Malta Biennale 26. Their creativity will be showcased in an international exhibition and across 27 national and thematic pavilions spread over 11 museums and historical sites managed by Heritage Malta in Valletta, Birgu, Xagħra and the Citadel in Gozo.

The official opening of the Malta Biennale will take place on March 10 at the Sacra Infermeria, Mediterranean Conference Centre, in Valletta. Mario Cutajar, Chairman of Heritage Malta, founder and President of the Malta Biennale, expressed his satisfaction that UNESCO has chosen to grant its patronage to the Malta Biennale. “At its core, the Malta Biennale is a dialogue, a link, between the past and the present. Through contemporary art, inspired by and presented alongside Malta’s cultural heritage, this dialogue comes to life by addressing current subjects and themes while simultaneously referencing history, thereby opening new horizons to all those visiting this international exhibition. Founded on this important premise, the Malta Biennale is a unique platform which does not compete with any other biennale. This is what distinguishes the Malta Biennale and what attracts patronage such as that of UNESCO,” concluded Mr Cutajar.

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.

For all media enquiries, please contact Lisa Gwen Chetcuti on: communications@maltabiennale.art

The Malta Biennale is online: www.maltabiennale.art

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