Artistic Director of the Malta Biennale 2028

Location: Malta and Gozo
Organisation: Fondazzjoni għall-Malta Biennale
Biennale dates: March–May 2028
Contract: Not specified
Compensation: Not specified
Application deadline: 25 September 2026, 12:00 CET
Reports to: President and Executive Board of Malta Biennale 2028

Fondazzjoni għall-Malta Biennale is inviting applications for the position of Artistic Director for the third edition of Malta Biennale, taking place across Malta and Gozo from March to May 2028.

The Artistic Director will develop a distinctive artistic vision for the Biennale and assume overall responsibility for its artistic direction and principal exhibition.

About the Role

The Artistic Director will shape the curatorial concept for Malta Biennale 2028 and translate it into a coherent, ambitious and professionally delivered international contemporary art exhibition.

Working closely with the heads of production and administration, they will oversee the artistic, managerial and organisational aspects of the Biennale within agreed resources.

The role requires an established cultural leader with experience in contemporary art and the ability to develop a programme that creates dialogue between Malta’s historical sites, contemporary artistic practices and urgent social questions.

Responsibilities

The Artistic Director will:

• Develop the artistic vision and thematic concept for Malta Biennale 2028;
• Create and lead the Biennale’s principal exhibition;
• Assume overall responsibility for the artistic management of the Biennale;
• Ensure consistency and excellence across its artistic programme;
• Deliver the programme within the resources agreed with the Foundation;
• Collaborate with the heads of production and administration;
• Work with Heritage Malta and other participating cultural organisations;
• Develop a programme responding to the historical sites hosting the Biennale;
• Connect historical heritage with contemporary art and current social questions;
• Engage local and international audiences;
• Support dialogue and cultural exchange; and
• Report to the President and Executive Board of Malta Biennale 2028.

Requirements

Applicants should:

• Be established cultural leaders working in contemporary art;
• Have the experience required to direct a major international exhibition;
• Demonstrate a distinctive artistic and curatorial vision;
• Be able to combine artistic leadership with managerial and organisational responsibilities;
• Have experience developing ambitious programmes within defined resources;
• Be able to collaborate with production, administrative and institutional partners; and
• Demonstrate an understanding of contemporary art’s capacity to engage heritage, public audiences and current issues.

Applicants are required to develop a thematic concept for Malta Biennale 2028, including a working title and concept statement.

About Malta Biennale

Malta Biennale is an international contemporary art exhibition presented across historical sites in Malta and Gozo.

Led by Heritage Malta, it aims to connect the past with contemporary artistic practice, address current issues and encourage public dialogue and cultural transformation. Its first two editions took place in 2024 and 2026 under the patronage of the President of Malta and UNESCO.

Fondazzjoni għall-Malta Biennale forms part of Heritage Malta while operating independently. Heritage Malta is the country’s national cultural heritage agency, managing more than 90 museums, monuments and historical sites.