We had the good fortune of connecting with Melanie Erixon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melanie, is there something you believe many others might not?
I am a free-lance curator, and also the resident curator at my brainchild exhibition space, named il-Kamra ta’ Fuq (the room upstairs). My freelance curation and il-Kamra ta’ Fuq as an ongoing art gallery, run under the umbrella of Art Sweven. And we do have a strange and fun story.

After completing various courses and internships in the art sector, I decided to create a small art exhibition space in my village of Mqabba. The idea initially stemmed from a purely selfish desire—I wanted to enjoy high-quality art without leaving my village. Being an avid art collector, the additional perk of curating exhibitions was having the first choice to purchase artworks from my own curated exhibitions. In theory, it seemed like a business-suicidal mission, but in practice, it proved otherwise.

Around four years ago, one of my best friends and favorite artists, Antoine Farrugia, also from my village, took over a typical Maltese bar from his late father, Gajtan. It was a traditional bar where elderly men gathered for their ‘tea’ in the early morning. I asked Antoine if he knew of a couple of rooms I could buy or rent in the village for my idea. Initially skeptical about the feasibility of a contemporary art gallery in a tiny village, Antoine eventually mentioned a small room above his bar. All I knew was that there was a hole in the ceiling and a ladder, which I climbed to take a look. The room turned out to be a hidden gem—a small space with a high ceiling, a tiny yard, and a window. It had been untouched for about 30 years, a perfect time capsule.

During the Covid-19 closure of all bars and restaurants, Antoine started working on this room to make it accessible, clear it up, and transform it into what we see today. So, we embarked on this crazy journey together. The bar on the ground floor is kept intact, serving as one of the few remaining traditional ‘ħanut tat-te’ in Malta, while upstairs is a contrasting space for contemporary art. We host exhibitions by different artists every month, back to back. Currently, we are on our 35th exhibition. Artists who visit express a desire to exhibit because the place is perfect for intimate solo exhibitions, and, besides, we are really fun to work with!

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I believe what attracts artists to work with me is that, along with my colleague Antoine, we provide artists with a comprehensive package for their exhibitions—a dedicated team. Our passion for what we do is the key ingredient, driven by our genuine love for art. Success in the art world often requires a genuine passion for art, a deep understanding of the creative process, and a commitment to supporting artists and their work. Building meaningful connections with artists and the community, fostering a love for art, and contributing to cultural enrichment are essential aspects that go beyond financial considerations. While financial sustainability is important for any venture, it should be balanced with a sincere dedication to the arts and a commitment to creating a positive impact on the cultural landscape. Numerous venues have approached me, inspired by what we’ve achieved in our village, but they often lack the same love and respect for art. I believe this genuine passion is crucial for success.

Some of the most exciting moments we’ve had so far, include winning awards for the best exhibitions program and collaborating with the largest exhibition space in Malta, Spazju Kreattiv. Hosting a major exhibition by Darren Tanti simultaneously at both venues was a notable highlight.

The bar’s clientele consists mostly of elderly individuals who have never experienced contemporary art before. Initially, they may have shied from it, but over time, they’ve formed their own opinions, exhibition after exhibition. They now even urge us to organize “cultural tours” in Malta’s capital, Valletta, to visit more exhibitions, followed by some beers. This reinforces the idea that we are making a positive impact on the community and enhancing people’s lives.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Two individuals merit special recognition in this venture. Antoine Farrugia, my business partner in il-Kamra ta’ Fuq, has been instrumental, providing unwavering support and turning the idea into something even more exciting than I initially imagined. Darren Tanti, artist and lecturer, has been an invaluable source of assistance and guidance from the beginning. One of the first believers in our project, he booked the exhibition space for a solo exhibition and has been an integral part of our team ever since.

Website: artsweven.com

Instagram: @melartyparty

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melanie.farrugia

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