Lobby calls for review of Biennale following concern by local, foreign artists

The arts lobby is calling for a review of the way the Malta Biennale was run, including an investigation into alleged outstanding payments, unresolved contractual commitments, contractual breaches and continued communication difficulties.

The Malta Entertainment Industry and Arts Association made the appeal following sustained concern raised by Maltese and international artists.

The biennale, which kicked off in March and wrapped up at the end of May, featured artists from 23 countries, but the event was fraught with criticism from various sectors.

In April, the MEIA had already sought answers relating to the strategic, budgetary and curatorial decisions made during the event. They called on Heritage Malta, the Finance Ministry, the Heritage Ministry, and the Tourism Ministry to publish the research conducted and documentation of the event for which €1.7 million was allocated.

The previous month, it had called for improved transparency and governance after receiving “concerning reports” from participants it said echoed past criticisms of the event.

But Heritage Malta and the Malta Biennale had said the MEIA was cut off from reality and that they were always open to constructive criticism.

On Monday, the MEIA made a fresh appeal for a transparent review of the governance and operational structures surrounding the Biennale, "following a sustained number of concerns raised by Maltese and international artists, cultural organisations, and participants involved in the event".

It said in a statement that over recent months, MEIA had received reports relating to contractual processes, delayed payments, unclear communication, unresolved commitments, professional conduct, and the overall management of participant relations. These concerns were raised by individuals and organisations who contributed to one of Malta’s most visible international cultural initiatives, it said.

It added that following a public statement earlier this year, MEIA had formally brought these matters to the attention of Heritage Malta President Mario Cutajar, the Malta Biennale Executive Board, and the Artistic Director.

"MEIA sought to open a constructive dialogue with the Biennale’s leadership and ensure that the concerns being raised by participants were addressed through appropriate channels."

But MEIA received no response.

"As the Biennale approached its conclusion, further concerns were brought to MEIA’s attention, including reports of outstanding payments, unresolved contractual commitments, alleged contractual breaches, and continued communication difficulties.

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

In light of these developments, MEIA again contacted Cutajar to request urgent engagement, particularly in view of participants who had travelled to Malta for the dismantling phase. Again, no response was received, it said. 

"MEIA considers the continued absence of engagement to be a matter of serious concern.

"The issues raised do not relate only to organisational administration, but to the treatment of artists and cultural practitioners who have contributed their work, time, and expertise to a publicly supported cultural initiative.

"Public cultural institutions have a responsibility to engage with stakeholders when concerns are raised, particularly where these relate to contractual obligations, professional standards, governance, and accountability. Meaningful dialogue is essential to maintaining trust between institutions and the cultural sector," the association said in a statement.

MEIA added that it was also disappointed by the public response issued by Biennale following its original statement. It believes the response did not adequately address the specific issues raised by artists and organisations, nor did it meaningfully engage with the experiences being reported by participants.

The feedback received by MEIA cannot be dismissed as a series of isolated incidents. The volume and consistency of concerns point to matters that require serious review and a clear institutional response, it added.

MEIA said it was therefore concerned that the announcement of a new foundation linked to the Malta Biennale was made before the sector was presented with a transparent assessment of the outcomes, challenges, and lessons emerging from the second edition of the Biennale.

"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. Sound governance requires reflection and accountability before expansion."

It called on the new culture minister Malcolm Paul Agius Galea to initiate a thorough review of the governance, operational processes, and participant relations surrounding the Malta Biennale.

Such a review should address the concerns raised by artists and cultural organisations and identify clear measures to strengthen transparency, accountability, communication, and professional standards, it said.

The association said it remained committed to the success of the Biennale and the development of ambitious international cultural initiatives in Malta.

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

"The cultural sector deserves transparency, respect, and meaningful dialogue.

"These are essential if trust in Malta’s cultural institutions is to be maintained."