Malta International Airport To Elevate Guest Experience Through Local Art And Culture

Malta International is implementing a long-term arts and culture strategy aimed at enriching the airport experience through spaces that bring Malta’s heritage, creativity, and contemporary identity to life.

This initiative is being delivered with the participation of the company’s newly established Arts Committee, which brings together airport employees from different departments. Cultural strategist and consultant Maria Galea, working in collaboration with ARTZ ID.agency, is directing the strategy to ensure a coherent and forward-looking framework for cultural programming across the airport. In addition, an independent Art Advisory Panel will be established to evaluate and put forward recommendations on open calls.

“As the first and last touchpoint for visitors to our islands, we have a unique opportunity to help shape perceptions of Malta. We are becoming increasingly aware that integrating local cultural elements can make the airport experience feel more authentic, creating moments that are more memorable and meaningful for our guests.

“We have placed our people at the heart of this initiative, as we believe that no one understands our premises, our passengers, and our vision for our airport better than they do,” said Tina Lombardi, Senior Vice-President of Commercial Development and Strategy at Malta International Airport.

Malta International Airport already holds an art collection dating back to the 1960s, featuring works by some of Malta’s most prominent artists, including Esprit Barthet and Alfred Chircop. Under the new strategy, this collection will become more visible and accessible to millions of travellers, alongside temporary and permanent commissions that celebrate Maltese identity.

The programme will begin with the activation of a dedicated space for commissioned public artwork within Malta International Airport’s recently inaugurated Schengen corridor. This will be created through an open call system that invites artists, studios, and collectives to contribute to this new cultural platform. The strategy is designed to grow alongside the airport’s development, gradually expanding into permanent cultural activation areas and a structured programme calendar.

“An airport is not only an operational gateway, but a cultural one. By activating the collection and creating transparent pathways for new commissions, we are building a programme that reflects Malta’s identity and evolves with the airport over time,” said Maria Galea, Cultural Strategist and Art Consultant.

At a time of transformation for the airport, this programme will help strengthen the sense of place across the terminal through artist-led projects, commissions, placemaking initiatives, and strategic partnerships.