Francis Sultana Removed from MICAS Board Amid Scandal

In an unexpected and controversial move, Francis Sultana, Malta’s Ambassador for Culture, has been removed from his position as a board member of the Malta International Contemporary Arts Space (MICAS). The decision, made by Culture Minister Owen Bonnici, has raised eyebrows within the arts and cultural sector, particularly given Sultana’s pivotal role in shaping MICAS and its international collaborations.

Minister Bonnici has not provided any explanation for the decision, nor has Sultana commented on the matter. However, sources within MICAS suggest that the move could signal a shift in the government’s approach to arts administration in Malta.

A Strategic Change or Political Favoritism?

Sultana has now been replaced by Joyce Dimech, a former permanent secretary under Minister Bonnici, who currently serves within the Ministry for Home Affairs. This appointment has fueled speculation that political maneuvering may be at play, given Dimech’s longstanding ties with the minister.

Her appointment has also raised concerns about her qualifications for the role, as she does not have a well-documented background in contemporary arts. In contrast, Sultana, as the CEO of the prestigious David Gill Art Gallery in London, brought high-profile international artists to MICAS, leveraging his extensive global network.

Sultana’s Influence at MICAS

During his tenure, Sultana was widely regarded as the driving force behind MICAS, with many insiders believing he played a leading role in guiding CEO Phyllis Muscat. While Muscat holds the top executive position, she is not known to have specialized expertise in the arts, making Sultana’s contributions even more significant.

Sultana’s influence extended beyond administration. His connections helped secure collaborations with internationally acclaimed artists, raising MICAS’s profile. However, questions have been raised about whether these acquisitions were made with full transparency.

Financial Controversies: Art Commissions Under Scrutiny

One of the major controversies surrounding Sultana’s tenure at MICAS relates to government spending on high-value art commissions, many of which were linked to artists represented by David Gill’s Gallery in London, where Sultana serves as CEO.

In 2019, MICAS commissioned Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone to create a sculpture costing over half a million euros. Investigations later revealed that Rondinone’s work is represented and sold by David Gill Gallery, raising concerns over potential conflicts of interest.

A similar case emerged in 2023 when MICAS acquired ‘The Palm Goddess for Malta’ by American artist Michele Oka Doner. Once again, Doner’s work is sold in London through David Gill’s Gallery, further deepening concerns about possible self-dealing.

While Sultana admitted to being part of a panel that selected artists for MICAS commissions, he insisted that decisions were made collectively and not by him alone. Nonetheless, the art world operates on commission-based sales, where galleries typically earn significant percentages on high-value acquisitions. This has led critics to question whether public funds were being used in ways that directly benefited commercial interests tied to Sultana.

Extravagant Spending: Lavish Events for MICAS Promotion

Before MICAS’s eventual opening in Floriana—delayed by approximately three years—Sultana organized a series of high-profile events to promote the space. These events, often extravagant in nature, reportedly cost tens of thousands of euros, further fueling concerns about MICAS’s financial management.

While promotional activities are common practice for cultural institutions, the scale and cost of these gatherings led to debates about whether such expenses were justified, particularly given Malta’s limited budget for arts funding.

Who is Joyce Dimech? A Controversial Appointment

Dimech’s appointment as Sultana’s replacement has not been without controversy. Her history as a former permanent secretary under Minister Bonnici saw her embroiled in multiple scandals, including those related to sexual harassment claims at the Malta National Orchestra. Although she was never personally accused, critics argue that her handling of these cases was problematic.

More recently, she was linked to a legal controversy involving the Cittadella in Gozo. In 2023, Minister Bonnici issued a legal notice permitting weddings at the historic Cittadella ditch—a move that conveniently coincided with Dimech’s daughter’s wedding being held at the location just a day later. The suspicious timing of this legal amendment has led to accusations of favoritism and insider influence.

The Future of MICAS and Cultural Governance in Malta

With Sultana’s departure and Dimech’s appointment, questions remain about the future direction of MICAS. Will the institution maintain its international collaborations and high artistic standards, or will the shift lead to a more politically controlled administration?

Moreover, concerns about transparency in Malta’s cultural sector persist. The controversies surrounding MICAS highlight broader governance issues, raising the need for greater oversight in how public funds are allocated for cultural projects.

Sultana’s removal marks a significant shift in Malta’s approach to cultural leadership. Whether this change will benefit or hinder the country’s contemporary arts scene remains to be seen.

Conclusion

The removal of Francis Sultana from the MICAS board raises serious questions about political interference, transparency, and financial accountability in Malta’s cultural sector. While his tenure was marked by international collaborations and high-profile commissions, concerns over potential conflicts of interest and extravagant spending have cast a shadow over his contributions. Meanwhile, the appointment of Joyce Dimech—who lacks a strong background in contemporary arts but has close political ties—suggests that MICAS may be shifting towards a more government-controlled direction. As Malta continues to position itself as a hub for contemporary art, ensuring ethical governance and financial oversight will be crucial for maintaining credibility both locally and internationally.

FAQs

Why was Francis Sultana removed from MICAS?
Francis Sultana was removed from MICAS by Culture Minister Owen Bonnici without any official explanation. His removal has sparked controversy due to his major role in developing MICAS’s international presence.

Who is Joyce Dimech, and why was she appointed to MICAS?
Joyce Dimech is a former permanent secretary under Minister Owen Bonnici. She replaced Sultana despite lacking a strong background in contemporary art, leading to speculation that her appointment was politically motivated.

What was Francis Sultana’s role at MICAS?
Sultana was a key figure in shaping MICAS’s artistic collaborations, using his international connections to bring renowned artists to the institution.

What controversies are associated with MICAS art commissions?
MICAS commissioned artworks from artists whose work was sold by David Gill Gallery, where Sultana is CEO. This raised concerns over potential conflicts of interest and the use of public funds.

How much did MICAS spend on commissioned artwork?
One notable commission involved a sculpture by Ugo Rondinone, costing over half a million euros. Other high-value acquisitions have also been linked to Sultana’s London gallery.

What are the concerns about MICAS’s financial management?
In addition to expensive art acquisitions, MICAS spent tens of thousands of euros on lavish promotional events, raising questions about financial oversight and public fund usage.

What past controversies is Joyce Dimech linked to?
Dimech was associated with sexual harassment scandals at the Malta National Orchestra and a legal change that enabled her daughter’s wedding at Cittadella ditch in Gozo.

Will Sultana’s removal impact MICAS’s international collaborations?
Sultana’s departure could affect MICAS’s ability to attract international artists and maintain its global reputation, as he was instrumental in forging key artistic partnerships.

Why hasn’t Minister Owen Bonnici explained Sultana’s removal?
The government has remained silent on the matter, fueling speculation that the decision was politically driven rather than based on artistic considerations.

What does this controversy reveal about Malta’s cultural governance?
The case highlights ongoing concerns about political interference, lack of transparency, and potential misuse of public funds within Malta’s cultural institutions.