Maurizio Cattelan to headline Malta Biennale 2026

Famed Italian artist, Maurizio Cattelan will be headlining the Malta Biennale 2026, which will open to the public on 14 March, following a three-day preview from 11-13 March and an official opening on 10 March.

Known for his satirical and provocative practice, Cattelan rose to international prominence through works such as America (2016) and Comedian (2019), projects that sparked global debate and established him as a leading figure in contemporary art.

Cattelan is one of eight artists invited to participate in this second edition of the contemporary art platform which will unfold across 11 impressive venues managed by Heritage Malta, spanning four main localities: Valletta and Vittoriosa in Malta, as well as Xagħra and Victoria in Gozo.

Under the artistic direction of internationally renowned curator, Rosa Martínez, the Malta Biennale 2026 will bring together over 130 Maltese and international artists from across the continents, through a main exhibition spread across venues in Malta and Gozo, alongside national and thematic pavilions in Valletta and Vittoriosa.

Complementing the main exhibition and pavilion offering, the Malta Biennale 2026 will also present an extensive programme of over 80 educational activities for audiences of all ages, in addition to 12 satellite events. The Malta Biennale 2026 is held under the distinguished patronage of Her Excellency the President of Malta Myriam Spiteri Debono.

The Minister for Culture, Lands and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, said that, “More than 3,200 applications from 122 different countries were submitted to the Malta Biennale 2026, out of which, 40 projects were selected, including works by 8 by Maltese artists. These projects will form part of the exhibition to be held between March and May in Heritage Malta sites.”

Minister Bonnici also stated that the Biennale will build on the solid foundations of the first edition; strengthening the Government’s commitment to contemporary art and its support for Maltese artists. He maintained that such initiatives enable space for dialogue and reflection on the main challenges faced by humanity in today’s world, while simultaneously offering a unique opportunity to tourists visiting our country to enjoy a distinct cultural experience.

During a press conference held at MUŻA, Mario Cutajar, President of the Malta Biennale and Chairman of Heritage Malta, explained that “between March and May, more than 130 artists from 43 countries will transform these islands into an international centre of artistic innovation and creativity. Eleven Heritage Malta sites will host works inspired by our rich heritage, creating a dialogue between past and present – a unique experience that has placed Malta on the global cultural calendar and established it as a leading destination during the Malta Biennale”.

Details relating to the Malta national pavilion to be held at MUŻA – the ‘home’ of the Malta Biennale – were also announced. Following a public call issued last year three artists were selected to participate in the pavilion: Victor Agius, Roderick Camilleri, and Gulja Holland. Two additional artists – Vince Briffa and Pierre Portelli – were invited to take part in the project. The Malta pavilion is curated by Dr Katya Micallef, Principal Curator at MUŻA.

For its second edition, the Malta Biennale 2026 is set to present a significantly expanded programme, featuring a total 27 pavilions. Eight of these are national pavilions – Malta, Poland, Spain, Finland, Armenia, China, Serbia, and France – alongside 19 thematic pavilions. These include notable collaborations with other international biennales such as the Gwangju Biennale in South Korea and the Çanakkale Biennial Initiative (CABANIN). Having almost doubled in number since its inaugural edition, the 2026 Biennale also proudly announces a pioneering pavilion organised by the Correctional Services Agency, showcasing artworks created by its residents. This important addition underscores the Biennale’s commitment to broadening cultural participation and amplifying diverse creative voices.

The Malta Biennale is organised by Heritage Malta in partnership with Arts Council Malta and Visit Malta and in collaboration with the Ministry for Culture, Lands and Local Government, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, and the Ministry for Gozo and Planning.

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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