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Women's Archive: The Rose Lapira Collection
The University of Malta’s Equity Office in collaboration with the Library marked the start of March with a thoughtful celebration through the inauguration of the exhibition ‘From Script to Archive: The Words of Rose Lapira.’
Held on Monday, 2 March 2026 at the University Library on the Msida Campus, the event brought together students, staff, alumni and members of the public to reflect on the work and impact of Rose Lapira, an art critic and former University lecturer who introduced a dedicated study unit on women artists and gender in art history at the University of Malta, a bold step addressing women artists and gender within the curriculum.
Prof. Carmen Sammut, the Pro-Rector for Student and Staff Affairs and Outreach, delivered the opening address, during which she reiterated the importance of preserving women’s voices in the historical record. She noted that Ms Lapira had been a key influence in inspiring the establishment of the Women’s Archive.“ Over time, I became much more aware of how women’s memory was being lost across many fields. I must admit that it was through her influence on me that I insisted so strongly on starting a Women’s Archive at the Library of the University of Malta,” shared Prof. Sammut.
Prof. Charlene Vella, Associate Professor in the Department of Art and Art History held how Rose Lapira’s archive is far more than a collection of documents; it reflects a lifetime of engagement with Malta’s cultural and artistic discourse. The materials include lecture scripts, curatorial notes, drafts, annotations, broadcast scripts, and reflections on exhibitions and artists, offering insight into her intellectual work. “Rose Lapira’s legacy lives in her writings, her broadcasts, her curatorial vision, and in the generations she influenced. Today, that legacy acquires a physical and institutional home…through her example, future scholars are reminded that intellectual courage matters and that disciplines evolve when we insist on broadening what counts as worthy of study,” concluded Prof. Vella.
The event also included heartfelt reflections by Ms Francesca Balzan, artist and former student of Lapira, who spoke of the influence and inspiration she gained from her mentor and a closing address by Mr Kevin J. Ellul, Director of Library Services, who emphasised the vital role such special collections play in preserving cultural memory for future generations and the commitment to safeguarding and making accessible women’s contributions to present and future generations.
Running until 25 March 2026, the exhibition, which is open to the public, invites visitors to explore the archival materials and consider the broader themes of memory, representation, and history, particularly in relation to women’s experiences, which have often been underrepresented or overlooked in traditional archives. Visitors also have the opportunity to watch an exclusive interview with Rose Lapira conducted by Prof. Charlene Vella and produced by Ms Nadia Abdilla together with the Marketing, Communications and Alumni Office.
The collection, donated to the University of Malta Women’s Archive, offers a unique window into Lapira’s work through scripts from her culture television and radio programmes, newspaper article reviews of literary texts, films and art exhibitions in Malta, lecture notes and examination papers and public talks.
The From Script to Archive exhibition is part of the University’s lead-in to International Women’s Day, reinforcing the institution’s long-standing commitment to equity, inclusion and recognition of diverse contributions to academic and cultural life.
If you have stories, documents, or artefacts related to women’s everyday lives, political movements, educational journeys, or professional milestones, and may be considering making a donation or would like to learn more about the types of materials collected, please get in touch at womensarchive@um.edu.mt or visit the dedicated webpage.
