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Lily Agius was born and raised in London, and she studied History of Art and Design at Manchester Metropolitan University, her before moving to Malta to continue her degree at the University of Malta. It was during visits to artists' studios for her contemporary art course that she knew she wanted to dedicate herself to promoting art. Little bit after she graduated, in 2005, she worked for The Malta Independent, where she became an editor of culture, and now she publishes her own art magazine, Artpaper. She opened her own gallery in 2011, in Sliema, from which she makes Maltese creativity known to the world.
This interview is part of "The World Made Local", a global project of Condé Nast Traveler in the seven international editions, which gives voice to 100 people in 100 countries to discover why their own territory should be your next destination.
Tell us about your connection to the city and how you fit into the current narrative there.
Malta is a great city. It is small enough to be easily explored and big enough to get lost. You can have sea, countryside or city in a matter of minutes. Get away from it all in a moment, then let yourself be surrounded by activity. I fit perfectly into that way of life, there is no excuse to be bored here. In my field of work as an art dealer and publisher, I am surrounded by a special and innovative group of artists, architects, designers and curators. That is what makes Malta very special to me, I enjoy watching your achievements and talents grow.
What is so special about Sliema and Malta?
Sliema is the commercial center. It was originally a quiet fishing village, but the wealthy Maltese and British made it their summer residence, building beautiful houses second home to escape the heat in Valletta. Today there are many shops, restaurants and bars, places to swim and a walk that takes you to the city of San Julián. Of course, there are a lot of people, traffic and new apartments are being built. It is a practical place to live without a car, you can take the ferry and in 10 minutes you are in Valletta. Although if you are looking for tranquility, it may not be your place.
In general, the Maltese have always been very accommodating to tourists and Malta has a lot of charm. They are also proud of their jobs, often trades taught to them by their parents, and share their knowledge and stories. You can find a horse cart and, at the same time, a Porsche on the same road; this is a country of surprises, contrasts and eccentricities. Take a look at Duška Malešević's work, her photos reflect that very well.
What excites you about your home country right now? What or who is causing a stir or has been your latest discovery?
The only thing that excites me in life is creative people seeking to express themselves artistically, based on what is happening around you. One such performance artist is Charlene Galea, who reflects on local political or environmental situations in her shows. Maltese artists in general are very talented. I have discovered some over the years and it is a very rewarding thing to witness their talent and progress.
My latest discovery has been a Maltese artist named Co-ma who draws with charcoal and pencil. He will inaugurate a solo exhibition in my gallery in Sliema and also online at Artsy on November 3rd. I discovered him participating as a judge in a national competition along with other local contemporary art galleries, for my art magazine, Artpaper. Another artist who is working on his next collection for my gallery – where he already exhibited solo for the first time in 2018 – is a talented artist and writer named Lonkirkop. His first collection generated a good response.
And what is your favorite place of all time, to which you return again and again?
In winter I walk regularly through the countryside, often in Fawara or Buskett. And to eat I like to go to Rogantino's, for Sunday lunch, or to Alibaba, if I fancy Lebanese food.
If a friend was visiting and only had 24 hours there, what would you tell him to do?
Have lunch at Zurrieq or Ghar Lapsi Bay, go to a concert at The Manoel Theater and dinner and cocktails in Valletta.
Anywhere to people watch?
Cordina's or Caffe Teatru in Valletta.
When you travel or are abroad, what do you miss most about your country?
To my friends, the sea and the winter sun.
Tell us a secret about your country or city of origin that we may not know.
Hmm... That will have to remain a secret and you will have to visit it to create your own.
Apart from your gallery, what other places should we visit?
Valletta Contemporary, Blitz, Studio 104, St James Cavalier, Muza and Micas, all in Valletta. Also The Mill, in Birkirkara, run by the daughter of the late artist Gabriel Caruana, a pioneer of modern art in Malta. With so much talent on the island and limited exhibition space, everything that is shown is interesting and you will surely have the opportunity to meet the artists and commissioners.
To take you home...
A work of a local artist or craftsman!
An essential dish that we should order?
A traditional tuna sandwich called Ħobż biż-Żejt and a cold Maltese beer. Or fresh fish baked with rock salt in a restaurant by the sea.
A natural wonder?
Rent a small fishing boat to take you into the caves or a sail boat to see from the crowds.
If we want to meet you for a drink...
It would be at La Bottega, in the center of Valletta.
A city hero?
The architect Richard England. For his talent, wisdom and inspiration from him.
If you have to spend the holidays at home...
There is a farm on the next island of Gozo where you hear only the crickets and the breeze in the trees and you can smell the fig trees on the way to the sea.