Council of Europe, 5 November 2025 – Coinciding with the opening of the 13th edition of the World Forum for Democracy, the Maltese Presidency of the Committee of Ministers launched the exhibition “Fragile Foundations”, just outside the Parliamentary Assembly’s Hemicycle. Curated by Mr Fabrizio Mifsud Soler, the exhibition brought together the works of four Maltese artists — Ms Francesca Balzan, Ms Rebecca Bonaci, Mr Kane Cali, and Mr Shaun Grech — in what marks a powerful reflection on resilience, transformation, and renewal.
The exhibition was opened by Malta’s Minister for Justice, Hon. Dr Jonathan Attard, together with Artistic Director of the Presidency, Mr Sean Buhagiar. The Council of Europe’s Director of Democracy and Democratic Participation, Mr Matjaž Gruden, also addressed those present, highlighting the dialogue between art and democratic values that the exhibition embodies.
Through a dialogue between serenity and disruption, the artworks shown in “Fragile Foundations” explore the cyclical nature of being i.e., the fragile balance where creation and collapse meet. The artists’ interpretations of both material and memory invite viewers to confront the impermanence that underlies both human life and the structures we build, from institutions to democracy itself.
Presented as part of Malta’s Presidency of the Committee of Ministers’ cultural programme, “Fragile Foundations” stands as a celebration of our islands’ artistic scene and its ongoing commitment to cultural diplomacy. The exhibition’s themes resonated with the 13th edition of the World Forum for Democracy theme: “Democracy at Risk: How Can We Revive It?”Just as the artworks explore cycles of creation and erosion, democracy too is a living, breathing process that must be continually rebuilt through participation, understanding, and resilience.“Fragile Foundations” will remain on display at the Council of Europe the end of the Presidency, inviting delegates and visitors alike to reflect on the shared vulnerability and strength that sustain both art and democratic life.