Malta Biennale Explores Space & Belonging Post-Pandemic

Picture this: the sun dipping below the Mediterranean, casting a warm glow over Valletta’s Grand Harbour. Now imagine that same scene, but with a twist – the usual hum of activity replaced by an eerie silence, broken only by the distant echo of a lone siren. This was Malta during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when our usual sense of belonging was challenged, and our relationship with public space was redefined.

The Malta Biennale, set to return this October after a two-year hiatus, promises to explore these themes of space and belonging in a post-pandemic world. But what does this mean for Malta, a country known for its rich history and vibrant culture, but also for its unique challenges in terms of space and belonging?

Malta’s urban scene is a testament to its history, with narrow streets and tightly packed buildings reflecting centuries of occupation and development. While this has led to a unique architectural heritage, it also means that public space is often at a premium. The pandemic, with its emphasis on social distancing and outdoor living, forced us to rethink how we use and interact with our public spaces.

Take for instance, the once bustling Republic Street in Valletta. Now, it’s a pedestrianised haven, with al fresco dining and street art replacing the usual traffic and noise. The Malta Biennale, with its emphasis on site-specific installations, aims to build on this reimagining of public space. Artists like Austin Camilleri, known for his large-scale urban interventions, are set to transform Malta’s streets and squares into immersive art experiences.

Malta’s demographic scene is shifting. According to Eurostat, Malta has one of the highest net migration rates in the EU. This influx of new residents, coupled with the return of Maltese expats due to the pandemic, has led to a complex mix identities and cultures. The Biennale, with its international roster of artists, seeks to explore these themes of belonging and identity in a globalised world.

Take, for instance, the work of Lebanese artist Rabih Mroué. His performance piece, “On Three Invisible Cities”, explores the relationship between memory, history, and the urban scene. In the context of Malta, with its layers of history and diverse population, Mroué’s work promises to spark meaningful conversations about our sense of belonging and our collective memory.

The Malta Biennale, now in its fourth edition, has always been about fostering a sense of belonging – to our cultural heritage, to our community, and to our shared human experience. This year, with its theme of “The Space Between Us”, it promises to look the complexities of our relationships with each other and with our environment, in a post-pandemic world.

So, as we emerge from our homes and back into our shared public spaces, let’s embrace the opportunity to engage with art, to question, to reflect, and to belong. Let’s make the most of the Malta Biennale, not just as an event, but as a catalyst for conversation, connection, and community.

After all, as Maltese artist and Biennale participant, Alexia Pace, puts it, “Art has the power to transform spaces, to make us see them in a new light, and to make us feel a sense of belonging, even in the most unexpected of places.”