As summer begins to draw to a close, the cultural calendar is gathering momentum once again. New seasons are being announced, fresh programmes are taking shape, and there is much to look forward to in the forthcoming edition of Encore.
This issue looks beyond Malta’s shores to South Korea, where Malta will present its first-ever pavilion at the Gwangju Biennale. Commissioned by Arts Council Malta, BEJN / IN-BETWEEN brings Maltese artists to one of Asia’s leading contemporary-art events. This is a landmark moment that places their work before new international audiences and marks an important step in Malta’s cultural presence abroad.
Closer to home, MICAS continues to shape its place within Malta’s artistic landscape with a new exhibition featuring three female artists. Still a relatively recent addition to the island’s cultural institutions, the museum is steadily developing a distinctive identity, with each exhibition adding further definition and ambition to its programme.
This edition also considers the intersection of art and international politics, with a feature on the remarkable wave of anti-Trump artworks created in response to the US president. Angry, witty, provocative and often sharply satirical, these works demonstrate how artists continue to respond to political moments with urgency and imagination.
There is, of course, much more to discover in the new issue of Encore. From major international milestones to local exhibitions, festivals and unexpected creative encounters, it offers a glimpse of the work Malta’s artists and cultural organisations have been developing behind the scenes.
Pick up the upcoming issue 46 of Encore to explore Malta’s cultural landscape throughout September, October and November 2026.
MALTA’S FIRST PAVILION IN GWANGJU
Malta makes its Gwangju Biennale debut with BEJN / IN BETWEEN, a pavilion shaped by cultural exchange, artistic research and a wider strategy to build lasting international opportunities for Maltese artists. Ramona Depares reports.
AN AUTUMN OF ECLECTIC FESTIVALS
From the versatility of the guitar to the power of storytelling, three major cultural events bring fresh experiences to audiences across Malta. Their artistic directors reveal the ideas shaping this year’s programmes and the spaces that bring them to life.
LET’S GO FLY A KITE
Għarb’s gorgeous countryside again becomes more than just a backdrop for the kite festival this October. Veronica Stivala lets her curiosity take flight as she finds out more.
SAINT OR SINNER?
The rise of US president Donald Trump has provoked a particularly rich vein of resistance from artists. ENCORE explores four examples of anti Trump artworks that range from folk art to opera.
KORMALTA: A SEASON OF LIGHT, LEGACY AND INNOVATION
A groundbreaking season that redefines choral excellence through professional artistry, innovative prograances and a celebration of Malta’s musical heritage.
