Artists’ association wants governance review on Malta Biennale following complaints

The Malta Entertainment and Arts Association (MEIA) has called for a transparent review of the governance structures surrounding the Malta Biennale 2026, citing a growing number of concerns raised by participants involved in the event.

In a statement on Monday, MEIA said it had received reports over recent months relating to contractual processes, delayed payments, unclear communication, unresolved commitments, professional conduct and the overall management of participant relations.

According to the association, the concerns were raised by individuals and organisations who contributed to what it described as one of Malta’s most visible international cultural initiatives.

Following an initial public statement on the matter, MEIA said it formally brought the issues to the attention of Heritage Malta President Mario Cutajar, the Malta Biennale Executive Board and the event’s artistic director. The association said it sought to establish a constructive dialogue with the Biennale’s leadership and ensure concerns raised by participants were addressed through the appropriate channels.

However, MEIA said it did not receive a response.

As the Biennale approached its conclusion, the association said further concerns were brought to its attention, including reports of outstanding payments, unresolved contractual commitments, alleged contractual breaches and ongoing communication difficulties.

Some participants reported being left without clear information on matters directly affecting their professional obligations, artistic practice and participation, MEIA said.

The association said it again contacted Cutajar to request urgent engagement, particularly in view of participants who had travelled to Malta for the dismantling phase of the event.

“Again, no response was received,” the statement said.

MEIA described the continued lack of engagement as a matter of serious concern, arguing that the issues extend beyond organisational administration and relate to the treatment of artists and cultural practitioners who contributed their work, time and expertise to a publicly funded cultural initiative.

The association said public cultural institutions have a responsibility to engage with stakeholders when concerns are raised, particularly on matters relating to contractual obligations, professional standards, governance and accountability.

MEIA also expressed disappointment with a public response issued by the Malta Biennale following its original statement. It argued that the response failed to adequately address the specific issues raised by artists and organisations and did not meaningfully engage with participants’ experiences.

The association said the volume and consistency of feedback it had received suggested the concerns could not be dismissed as isolated incidents and warranted a serious review and institutional response.

MEIA also questioned the timing of the announcement of a new foundation linked to the Malta Biennale, saying it had been made before the sector had been presented with a transparent assessment of the outcomes, challenges and lessons emerging from the event’s second edition.

“Before new structures are established, there should be a clear evaluation of what has worked, what has not, and what measures will be introduced to address the concerns raised by participants,” the association said.

MEIA called on newly appointed Culture Minister Malcolm Paul Agius Galea to initiate a thorough review of the Malta Biennale’s governance, operational processes and participant relations.

It said such a review should address the concerns raised by artists and cultural organisations while identifying measures to strengthen transparency, accountability, communication and professional standards.

The association also clarified that an independent community-led survey launched following concerns raised by participants had been intended to support constructive dialogue with Heritage Malta and the Biennale’s leadership. The findings, it said, were meant to serve as a basis for discussion, reflection and improvement.

However, MEIA said that in the absence of engagement from the relevant authorities, it believed it had a responsibility to ensure the voices of artists and cultural practitioners were heard.

As a result, the feedback collected through the survey will be compiled and published in the interests of transparency and informed discussion on the future development of the Malta Biennale.

Despite its concerns, MEIA said it remains committed to the success of the Malta Biennale and the development of ambitious international cultural initiatives in Malta.

“The success of such initiatives cannot be measured solely by visibility or public profile,” the association said. “It must also be measured by professional standards, good governance, accountability and the experience of the artists and cultural practitioners who make them possible.”

MEIA concluded by saying that the cultural sector deserves transparency, respect and meaningful dialogue, which it described as essential to maintaining trust in Malta’s cultural institutions.