Gabriel Buttigieg’s exhibition “Sheela / Sansun(a): Bridging Islands”, curated by AnneMarie Saliba and supported by the Cultural Diplomacy Fund took place between 5 and 26 June 2025 at TØN Gallery in Dublin’s popular Temple Bar area. The Deputy Head of Mission was present for the launch.

“Sheela / Sansun(a): Bridging Islands”, the first solo exhibition of Maltese artist Gabriel Buttigieg in Dublin, Ireland, has been an exceptionally successful project. It achieved its aim of cultural diplomacy, conveying an understanding of Malta’s culture abroad whilst maintaining a focus on the strategic objectives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism’s strategic framework 2025 – 2026.  It strongly positioned Maltese cultural production on an international platform and promoted Maltese talent overseas.

The Ambassador of Malta, H.E. Fiona-Jayne Formosa, also visited the exhibition and met with Ms Saliba.

The Cultural Diplomacy Fund within the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism was created in 2012 to encourage Maltese Missions abroad to organise and participate in cultural events that reflect Maltese culture as well as the intrinsic intercultural dimension of such events, raise influence and inspire closer working cooperation in other areas.