International distinction recognises the Maltese writer’s contribution to contemporary literature and the growing reach of Maltese writing.
Maltese author and poet Immanuel Mifsud has been formally presented with the 2026 Homer European Medal of Poetry and Art. The medal was presented by Dariusz Tomasz Lebioda, President of the European Medal of Poetry and Art, during a ceremony held at Domus Zamittello. Minister for Arts, Culture and National Heritage in Malta Dr Malcolm Paul Agius Galea and Arts Council Malta Executive Chair Dr Luke Dalli attended the presentation.
Established in Brussels in 2016, the Homer European Medal of Poetry and Art recognises writers and artists who have made a significant contribution to international literary and artistic culture. Previous laureates include Nobel Prize winning authors Mario Vargas Llosa and Wole Soyinka, together with internationally established writers including Antonio Gamoneda, Jaan Kaplinski, Reiner Kunze, Adonis, Ida Vitale and Jorie Graham.
Immanuel Mifsud is one of two recipients of the distinction in 2026, alongside Syrian Kurdish poet and novelist Salim Barakat. The medal recognises the depth and honesty with which Mifsud’s work examines memory, identity, family relationships, trauma and the human psyche.
Congratulating Prof. Mifsud on this significant achievement, Minister Dr Malcolm Paul Agius Galea stated: “Immanuel’s work is unmistakably Maltese, but the experiences it addresses reach far beyond our shores. Today’s distinction recognises his individual achievement and strengthens the international profile of Maltese literature, while also serving as inspiration to emerging writers working within Malta’s small linguistic and publishing environment. It also underlines the importance of creating more opportunities for Maltese writers to reach readers beyond Malta. This is consistent with the national cultural strategy we are prioritising, which recognises culture as an essential part of Malta’s identity and long-term national vision.”
Dr Luke Dalli, Executive Chair at Arts Council Malta, stated: “Immanuel Mifsud receiving the Homer European Medal of Poetry and Art is a proud moment for Malta and for our cultural sector. This prestigious recognition celebrates not only an outstanding literary career, but also the growing international presence of Maltese literature. Immanuel has long demonstrated how stories rooted in our own experiences can resonate far beyond our shores. His work continues to inspire readers through its authenticity, depth and humanity.
At Arts Council Malta, we are committed to supporting artists in reaching new audiences and creating meaningful international opportunities. Achievements such as this reinforce our belief that Maltese creativity has an important place within the global cultural landscape. We congratulate Immanuel on this well deserved honour and thank him for continuing to elevate Maltese literature on the international stage.
Prof. Mifsud is one of Malta’s leading contemporary writers, with a body of work spanning poetry, novels, short stories, memoir, drama and literary criticism. He received the European Union Prize for Literature in 2011 for Fl-Isem tal-Missier (u tal-Iben) and has won several Malta National Book Prizes for poetry and prose. While accepting the award, he stated: “I am deeply honoured to receive this distinction, which reflects not only an appreciation of my work but, more specifically, its recognition beyond my own country. I believe that every honour carries with it both an obligation and a responsibility. I owe a debt of gratitude to my local publishers, Klabb Kotba Maltin/Midsea Books, to the various publishers abroad who have brought my work to new audiences, and to the translators whose commitment has allowed my writing to cross linguistic and national boundaries. An honour of this kind also brings with it a responsibility towards my readers and towards the culture from which my work emerges. Finally, I wish to thank the Chapter of the Homer Medal, the Arts Council Malta, and the Ministry for Culture, Arts and National Heritage for today’s ceremony.”
Prof Mifsud was appointed a Member of the National Order of Merit in 2014 and became the first Maltese writer to be hosted by the Library of Congress in the United States. His work has been translated and published internationally, and he has participated in literary festivals, readings and cultural programmes in several countries.
Through its Directorate of Internationalisation, Arts Council Malta continues its work to create more opportunities for Maltese writers and literary professionals to build connections abroad, reach new audiences and take part in international publishing, translation and cultural exchange.
For more information visit https://artscouncilmalta.com.
