MEIA calls for review of Malta Biennale governance amid concerns over participant relations

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

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

According to the association, these concerns were raised by both Maltese and international contributors to the cultural initiative. MEIA said it had formally brought the matters to the attention of Heritage Malta President Mario Cutajar, the Malta Biennale Executive Board and the Artistic Director in an effort to open a constructive dialogue and ensure the concerns were addressed through the appropriate channels.

However, MEIA stated that it did not receive a response.

The association further claimed that as the Biennale approached its conclusion, additional concerns were reported, including outstanding payments, unresolved contractual commitments, alleged contractual breaches and continued communication difficulties. Some participants reportedly said they had been left without clear information on matters affecting their professional obligations and participation in the event.

MEIA said it subsequently contacted Mr Cutajar again to request urgent engagement, particularly in view of participants who had travelled to Malta for the dismantling phase of the Biennale. It said no response was received on that occasion either.

The association described the continued lack of engagement as a matter of serious concern, arguing that the issues raised extend beyond administrative matters and relate to the treatment of artists and cultural practitioners who contributed to a publicly supported cultural initiative.

MEIA also expressed disappointment with Malta Biennale’s public response to its original statement, saying it did not sufficiently address the specific issues raised by artists and organisations or engage meaningfully with participants’ experiences.

According to MEIA, the volume and consistency of feedback received suggest that the concerns cannot be viewed as isolated incidents and warrant a more comprehensive review. The association also questioned the timing of the announcement of a new foundation linked to the Malta Biennale, arguing that a transparent assessment of the second edition’s outcomes and challenges should precede the establishment of new structures.

MEIA has called on Minister Malcolm Paul Agius Galea to initiate a thorough review of the Biennale’s governance, operational processes and participant relations. It said such a review should examine the concerns raised by artists and cultural organisations and identify measures to strengthen transparency, accountability, communication and professional standards.

The association also noted that an independent community-led survey launched following concerns raised by participants was intended to support dialogue with Heritage Malta and the Biennale’s leadership. In the absence of engagement from the relevant authorities, MEIA said the feedback gathered through the survey will be compiled and shared publicly.

While reiterating its support for the Malta Biennale and other international cultural initiatives, MEIA said the success of such projects should be measured not only by their visibility and public profile but also by professional standards, governance, accountability and the experience of the artists and cultural practitioners involved.

BusinessNow.mt has contacted Heritage Malta for comment but has not heard back at the time of writing this article.