Joanna Popiol, Director of Luginsland Limited has partnered with Omenaa Mensah, Polish philanthropist and CEO of the OmenaArt Foundation, to lead a multi-year effort to restore Villa Luginsland, a historic site in Rabat, Malta. The project aims to restore and transform the Villa – now rebranded as LuginsLand of Art – into a vibrant hub for contemporary art, exhibitions, and cultural events.

With a passion for art and history, Joanna oversees a team of local and international experts to ensure the restoration maintains the Villa’s authenticity while revitalising the space. Renowned for her attention to detail, she collaborates closely with Omenaa Mensah to bring their shared vision to life – creating a landmark that honours cultural heritage and celebrates the arts.

The project is not only preserving Villa Luginsland’s legacy but also creating opportunities for artistic exchange and development. By blending historical restoration with innovation, Joanna and Omenaa aim to honour the Villa’s past while inspiring Malta’s creative future.

Joanna Popiol, Director of Luginsland Limited / Photo by Jacek Poremba

A mission to preserve and inspire

The restoration of Villa Luginsland goes beyond structural repairs; it is a meticulous effort to breathe new life into a space steeped in history. Among the Villa’s remarkable features are the stunning ceiling paintings by renowned Maltese artist Giuseppe Calì, one of which depicts Baroness Victoria von Tucher in vibrant colours and intricate detail, surrounded by astrological motifs reflecting the interests of her husband, Baron Maximilian Tucher. This masterpiece, alongside other Calì paintings in the Villa, is being carefully restored to ensure its beauty and historical significance are preserved.

“Restoring these works is about more than just preserving art; it’s about bringing a piece of Malta’s history back to life,” says Joanna.

The restoration is designed to maintain the Villa’s historical integrity while reimagining a portion of the site as a space for contemporary art exhibitions, cultural events, and artist residencies. Once completed, LuginsLand of Art will serve as a multidisciplinary hub of art and culture.

Launching the Art Residency Programme

Central to the mission of LuginsLand of Art is its newly launched Art Residency Programme. Last year, in collaboration with the OmenaArt Foundation, the programme welcomed four exceptional Polish artists: Agata Słowak, Monika Falkus, Emilia Kina, and Zofia Pałucha. These artists, celebrated for their achievements in Poland’s art scene, brought their unique perspectives and art practices to Malta.

Over two weeks, the residency provided these artists with the opportunity to explore Malta’s natural beauty and historic landscapes. Immersed in this inspiring setting, they engaged with local artists, fostering meaningful connections between Maltese and Polish creative communities. For Monika Falkus, one of the artists, the experience was transformative; “This residency provided me with a peaceful space for intellectual exchange, as well as emotional exchange, sharing thoughts and experiences with extraordinary artists.”

Building a creative legacy

The LuginsLand of Art project exemplifies the power of collaboration and the enduring importance of heritage preservation. With Omenaa Mensah’s OmenaArt Foundation providing vital support, the initiative highlights how art can transcend borders to create a shared legacy.

Omenaa Mensah, Polish philanthropist and CEO of the OmenaArt Foundation / Photo by Kurt Paris

“Our goal is to craft a space where the past and present seamlessly merge,” says Joanna. “It’s about fostering a community where artists, innovators, and visionaries can connect, exchange ideas, and spark inspiration.”

The impact of LuginsLand of Art extends far beyond the Villa’s walls. Joanna Popiol and Omenaa Mensah are reinvigorating Malta’s cultural landscape. The project will not only provide a platform for artistic collaboration but also contribute to the local economy by attracting global attention to Malta’s creative landscape.

Looking ahead

As restoration efforts progress, anticipation for the eventual opening of LuginsLand of Art continues to grow. While the grand unveiling remains distant on the horizon, the ongoing work – such as the meticulous restoration of Giuseppe Calì’s stunning ceiling paintings and this year’s residency programme – has already ignited enthusiasm among the local arts community.

“This project is about giving back to Malta” Joanna Popiol reflects. With every step forward, Joanna Popiol and Omenaa Mensah’s commitment to art and philanthropy shines through. Their vision for LuginsLand of Art promises to create a lasting legacy – a space which aims to shape an exciting chapter for Malta’s cultural landscape.

To stay updated on the incredible work being carried out by Joanna, Omenaa and the LuginsLand of Art team, please visit:

Joanna Popiol on LinkedIn
LuginsLand of Art on Instagram and Facebook
Luginsland of Art website
Villa Luginsland website

OmenaArt Foundation website
OmenaArt Foundation on Instagram
Omenaa Mensah on Instagram and LinkedIn