Rosa Martinez Appointed Artistic Director of Malta Biennale 2026
A Visionary Curator Takes the Helm
Internationally renowned curator Rosa Martinez has been appointed Artistic Director of the second edition of the Malta Biennale, scheduled for March to May 2026. Known for her groundbreaking work in contemporary art, Martinez brings a wealth of experience to Malta’s prominent international art event.
Rosa Martinez: A Legacy of Firsts
Rosa Martinez expressed her excitement, stating, “It is an honor and delight to curate Malta Biennale 2026. This is a unique chance to create new dialogues between contemporary art and Malta’s extraordinary heritage. The Mediterranean, as an epicenter of today’s economic, social, environmental, and political challenges, offers a profound context for art to address inequalities and provide hope.”
Martinez’s career is marked by extraordinary milestones. She became the first female Artistic Director of the Venice Biennale in 2005, breaking 110 years of history. Her leadership has extended across the globe, including directing biennials in Barcelona, Rotterdam, Istanbul, Santa Fe, Busan, São Paulo, and Moscow.
Accomplishments in Curatorial Excellence
Based in Spain, Martinez served as Chief Curator of the Museum of Modern Art in Istanbul from 2004 to 2007. She has curated exhibitions at some of the world’s most iconic institutions, including the Guggenheim Bilbao, the National Museum of Sculpture in Valladolid, the Centro Cultural Metropolitano in Quito, and the Picasso Museum. Her collaborations with internationally celebrated artists, such as Anish Kapoor, Tania Berta Judith, and Saskia Calderon, highlight her innovative curatorial approach.
Martinez’s Connection to Malta
Martinez is no stranger to Malta. In 2018, she curated Constellation Malta as part of Valletta’s European Capital of Culture celebrations. More recently, in 2022, she curated Austin Camilleri’s LEIVA solo exhibition at Spazju Kreattiv. Her upcoming role at the Malta Biennale marks a continuation of her deep engagement with Malta’s cultural and artistic landscape.
What’s Next for Malta Biennale 2026?
Under Martinez’s leadership, the theme and historical venues for Malta Biennale 2026 will be announced soon. She will oversee the selection of artists and exhibitions following an international call for proposals, set to open early next year.
A Global Stage for Malta
The inaugural edition of the Malta Biennale in 2024 gained international recognition, firmly establishing Malta on the global contemporary art map. It is the only biennale worldwide under UNESCO’s distinguished patronage, operating with the additional support of the President of Malta. The festival, organized by Heritage Malta in collaboration with Arts Council Malta, emphasizes the connection between contemporary art and Malta’s historic sites.
Celebrating Malta’s Heritage
With a focus on 21st-century audiences, the biennale showcases events in venues managed by Heritage Malta, blending art and history to engage and inspire. Under Rosa Martinez’s guidance, Malta Biennale 2026 promises to further elevate Malta’s artistic and cultural presence on the world stage.
