The Malta Pavilion at the 57th Venice Biennale (2017) is being curated by Bettina Hutschek and Raphael Vella and will be called Homo Melitensis: An Incomplete Inventory in 19 Chapters. The exhibition explores perceptions about identity, nationhood, ‘national’ characteristics and territorial constructs, and aims to guide viewers on an imaginative journey through popular and multidisciplinary perceptions about Maltese identity, studied from a somewhat Borgesian perspective and presented in a non-hierarchical and a-chronological series of collections.

The curatorial approach is critical: it undermines the question of national representation at the same time as it presents it within the context of the pavilion. Artefacts borrowed from national and folk collections and archival photographic images will create dialogues with existing works by contemporary artists.

The curators are currently in the process of selecting works by artists. This call is intended only for artists of Maltese origin who do not currently live in Malta.  Contemporary artists based in Malta are being contacted directly by the curators and their inclusion in the pavilion will be by invitation only. ‘Maltese origin’ is being interpreted here as being either a Maltese national based abroad or a citizen of another country with 1st, 2nd or 3rd generation connections to Malta. No age limit applies.

Contemporary visual artists working in any medium or form may apply. Please include in your application an artistic portfolio with work of the last 5 years (with special attention to projects that are relevant to the theme and curatorial approach of the Malta Pavilion), a current CV with lists of exhibitions, website or other relevant online links, contact details (current address, email address) as well as a letter of intent with information about your relationship to Malta. Applications and queries should be sent by email with your pdf as attachment to [email protected].

While there is no limit to the number of works or projects that can be included in your application, all information and images must be sent in a single pdf file of not more than 5MB and not more than 15 pages in length.

Deadline for applications is 10th October, 2016. Work sent after that date will not be considered.

All applicants will be informed of the outcome by 4th November, 2016.

More information about the Malta Pavilion and the curators here.