Maltese artists’ international success put on local display

A new cultural initiative celebrating the global success of Maltese artists was officially launched on Wednesday. 

The initiative, titled RETOLD, aims to bring home a series of acclaimed art projects by local creatives who have earned recognition abroad.

Launched at the Mdina Ditch with the first installation Urban Fabric, RETOLD is managed by Arts Council Malta and seeks to make the work of Maltese and Gozitan artists more accessible to the public. The project forms part of a broader effort to promote national artistic achievement and foster deeper cultural engagement locally.

“Through this initiative, the public will be more aware, not only of the valuable work that is taking place in these sectors, but they can also enjoy installations of high value created by Maltese and Gozitan artists and creatives,” said Culture Minister Owen Bonnici at the launch.

“Ten years after the establishment of the Arts Council Malta, today we find ourselves in a position where local artists are not only achieving success in their own country but are even excelling abroad,” he continued.

Urban Fabric, designed by architect Matthew Casha, was previously exhibited at the London Design Biennale. The installation merges elements of traditional Maltese urban planning with the island’s Phoenician heritage of cloth production and dyeing. Constructed from recycled materials, wood and organic cloth, it promotes sustainability and invites direct public interaction.

Arts Council Malta Executive Chairman Luke Dalli highlighted RETOLD as a milestone, not only in celebrating local artistic achievements but in acknowledging their longstanding contribution to the country’s cultural identity.

He also announced the beginning of consultation on Strategy2030, a roadmap for the next phase of cultural development. “We have arrived at another crucial juncture, where we will be paving the way for the years to come,” Dalli said.

Minister for Culture, Lands and Local Government Owen Bonnici (left) and Arts Council Malta Executive Chairman Luke Dalli at the launch in Mdina.

In a video message, outgoing chairman Albert Marshall shared a commending the dedication of artists and cultural practitioners. He described RETOLD as a “significant moment” marking ten years of cultural investment and bringing Maltese creativity closer to its people.

Annabelle Stivala, Executive Head for International Cultural Relations, noted that RETOLD “gives due dignity to Maltese artists” and represents the start of a new chapter for the arts in Malta. “We are committed to offering the best platforms for our artists to grow and be successful, both locally and internationally,” she said.

RETOLD will feature the following internationally recognised projects:

• Urban Fabric – a sustainable installation by architect Matthew Casha exploring Maltese urban form and Phoenician textile heritage. This project was exhibited at the London Design Biennale and was the first project exhibited by Malta there. It is showing from June 30 to August 2 at the Mdina Ditch.
• Revisiting Maleth – a project exploring Malta’s historical and geographic identity exhibited at the Venice Biennale showing from July 15 to August 31 at the Natural History Museum, Mdina.
• URNA – winner of the London Design Biennale 2025, focusing on cremation as a cultural theme, showing from September to November at Ħaġar Qim, Qrendi.
• The Ship (unseen) – a project building on the Venice Biennale work I WILL FOLLOW THE SHIP, showing from October 4 to November at the Inquisitor’s Palace, Vittoriosa.
• Homo Melitensis – a reflection on Maltese identity exhibited at the Venice Biennale, showing between October 3-30 at MUŻA, Valletta.
• Diplomazija Astuta: Conflict – Fire, Steel and Paper by Arcangelo Sassolino – an installation using elemental forces showing from October 9 to January 3 at the Victor Pasmore Gallery, Valletta.

For more details and updates on RETOLD, visit artscouncilmalta.gov.mt