The Venice Art Biennale is often described as the ‘Olympics of the Art World’. It is the largest contemporary art exhibition in the world, visited by over 700,000 people. Over 80 National Pavilions showcase the best contemporary art their country has to offer and these artists are given widespread exposure in leading global media outlets. World renowned artists exhibit at this major event and it is an excellent occasion for Maltese contemporary artists and performers to showcase their creations on what is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious art platforms on the global stage.
Swiss-Cameroonian curator Koyo Kouoh has been appointed curator of the 61st edition of the Biennale Arte, which will take place in Venice from April to November 2026. In comments to the press, Kouoh, the first African woman in this role, described the Venice Biennale as a “mythical site”, where artists, collectors and the public converge every two years to “feel the pulse of the zeitgeist”.
Located at the Artiglierie in the Arsenale Area, the Malta Pavilion is approximately 270 square metres. It is adjacent to the location which hosted the Malta Pavilion during the 57th, 58th, 59th and 60th International Art Exhibitions at the Venice Biennale.
Malta has firmly established itself as a key player in Venice, consistently earning praise and media recognition. The Malta Pavilion, for the fifth consecutive time, is being commissioned by Arts Council Malta under the auspices of the Ministry for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government, has received outstanding reviews in past editions, including recognition from The Observer as one of the five best pavilions and The Culture Trip as one of the “10 National Pavilions You Can’t Miss at the Venice Biennale.”
Interested curatorial teams must apply through Arts Council Malta’s online system by registering a profile and submitting an online application. Guidelines for this Open Call can be found here. Kindly find the dwg file of the Malta Pavilion here.
For inquiries, contact venicebiennale@artscouncil.mt
Photo Credit: Eoin Greally | Artist: Matthew Attard
