The Sliema Arts Festival is being held again between the 17th and 19th of July 2026, with an edition that will continue to strengthen this event as one of the leading urban arts and culture events in Malta.
Organised by the Sliema Local Council with the support of the Ministry for Local Government and Public Works, the Sliema Arts Festival 2026 is offering a varied programme that celebrates creativity, culture and community through street art, murals, paintings, music, dance, workshops, craft markets and family activities.
This was announced by the Minister for Local Government and Public Works Alison Zerafa Civelli, together with the Mayor of Sliema, John Pillow and the Executive Chairman of the Arts Council Malta Luke Dalli, where they presented the details of this festival and its importance in the promotion of culture, community participation and the use of public spaces.
Minister Alison Zerafa Civelli said that cultural initiatives such as these demonstrate the importance of the work of local councils in strengthening communities and in carrying out projects that bring people together in public spaces.
“The Government remains committed to further strengthening the role of local councils as protagonists in their communities, by providing them with the necessary support to carry out initiatives that improve the quality of life of residents and promote local culture and identity,” said the Minister. She added that support for events such as the Sliema Arts Festival reflects the Government’s commitment towards more vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities, where culture becomes a means to create social, economic and creative opportunities.
Sliema Mayor John Pillow said that the Sliema Arts Festival has become one of the locality’s main cultural events, with each edition continuing to bring together artists, residents, businesses and tourists in a celebration of creativity and community.
“This year, the theme ‘BY HUMANS. FOR HUMANS.’ reflects on the value of creativity and connection between people in an increasingly digital world. While technology continues to influence our lives, it is people, their creativity and their ability to create bonds with each other that remain at the heart of our identity,” said the Mayor.
The Executive Chairman of the Arts Council Malta, Luke Dalli, said that it is a pleasure for the Arts Council Malta to be supporting the Sliema Arts Festival, a festival that makes art part of people’s daily lives and that shows how a public space can be transformed into a place where creativity, community and culture come together.
The 2026 edition is curated around the artistic framework “Error 404: Human Not Found”, developed by Artistic Director Rachel Formosa, which explores the relationship between humans and technology through contemporary artistic expression, urban culture, electronic music and artistic interventions in public space.
The festival is expected to attract more than 20,000 visitors over three days, transforming the streets, promenade and bay of Sliema into a vibrant cultural destination for residents and tourists.
