This October, Malta will celebrate the grand opening of its first contemporary art institution, the Malta International Contemporary Art Space (MICAS). Located within the historic 17th-century Ospizio fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, MICAS spans over 90,000 square feet. The facility includes more than 15,000 square feet of indoor gallery space, outdoor sculpture gardens, restored fortifications, a shop, and a café, all with stunning views of Valletta.
Inaugural Exhibition at MICAS: Joana Vasconcelos
Ahead of its launch, MICAS has revealed an impressive inaugural exhibition program for the first two years. The debut exhibition, from October 2024 to March 2025, will feature a solo showcase of Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos. Her installations will delve into themes of domesticity and human existence, highlighting her profound engagement with everyday life and the essential emotional and spiritual aspects of navigating existence.
Upcoming Exhibitions: Malta in Focus and Milton Avery
Following Vasconcelos, MICAS is preparing a group exhibition called “Malta in Focus” from May 2025 to feature significant contemporary Maltese artists and commit the museum to the international projection of Maltese art. In October 2025, MICAS will stage “Milton Avery and His Influence on Contemporary Art,” an exhibition that takes the American painter as an “artist’s artist.” Alongside a range of work by Avery throughout his extensive career will be pieces by contemporary artists, including Harold Ancart, Gary Hume, and Nicolas Party.
Cultural Significance of MICAS for Malta
The institution of MICAS and the wide-ranging program of its exhibitions present a significant milestone in Maltese cultural history. The museum hopes to deliver international contemporary art to local audiences and give Malta the role of a key player on the global art stage, placing it as one of the stops to be noticed for lovers of art.
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