A new exhibition featuring the work of British ceramist Barnaby Barford is currently on display at the National Community Art Museum (MUZA) in Valletta, organised by Heritage Malta. The exhibition, which runs until January, showcases bone china ceramics depicting Maltese shop fronts and is being sold for approximately €200 each through a dedicated website.

The exhibition has raised concerns due to its connection with Francis Sultana, Malta’s former Ambassador for Culture, who was appointed by ex-Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. Sultana is the CEO of David Gill Gallery in London and has a history of hosting exhibitions for his clients through Maltese government agencies, including earlier exhibitions featuring art by Ugo Rondinone and Michele Oka Doner, both of whom he represents.

The Culture Minister, Owen Bonnici, has described Oka Doner’s work as being on loan to Malta for ten years, with the government responsible for all associated costs. However, profits from any commercial activities related to the artwork are to be shared with the artist. The prevalence of Sultana’s clients receiving such opportunities raises questions about the ethics of government-hosted exhibitions.

The exhibition of Barnaby Barford at MUZA is part of a pattern where Francis Sultana, appointed Malta’s Ambassador for Culture in 2018, has facilitated the showcasing of his clients’ work through Maltese government channels. This relationship has sparked criticism regarding the potential conflict of interest and how public resources are utilised for personal business connections. With similar instances occurring in the past, scrutiny has been placed on how these exhibitions are arranged and financed.

The exhibition featuring Barnaby Barford highlights ongoing concerns about the connections between Malta’s cultural representation and private business interests. As Francis Sultana continues to navigate the intersection of his role as a cultural ambassador and a private gallery owner, questions of ethics and transparency are brought to the forefront. This situation underscores the need for clear policies to prevent conflicts between government funding and private endeavours in the arts.

Original Source: theshiftnews.com

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