Press Release
2nd July 2025
Esplora Interactive Science Centre, operated by Xjenza Malta, is proud to announce the appointment of Ms. Mary Ann Cauchi as its new Senior Director. In this key leadership role, Mary Ann will spearhead Esplora’s revitalisation with a strong focus on a STEAM-based approach—integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics—to nurture interdisciplinary learning, creativity, and innovation among youth and the wider community.
Ms. Cauchi brings extensive experience from her previous position as Chief Operations Officer for Funding and Strategy at Arts Council Malta, where she directed funding processes and coordinated strategic initiatives that strengthened Malta’s cultural and creative sectors. Her leadership helped shape the Council’s vision and programmes, fostering support for the nation’s artistic ecosystem.
With a rich career spanning numerous pivotal roles in Malta’s cultural landscape, Mary Ann’s expertise includes her tenure as Head of the Malta School of Music. There, she advanced policy development, elevated teaching standards, and led the successful accreditation of courses to European frameworks. Additionally, as founder and director of Artsphere International, she curated and managed major cultural projects, including the Malta Children’s Festival and the European Year of Creativity and Innovation.
Earlier in her career, Ms. Cauchi contributed significantly to national arts initiatives at the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts, where she launched the iconic Notte Bianca – Lejl Imdawwal and helped administer Malta’s first public arts funding programme.
Mary Ann holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Music Studies and History of Art from the University of Malta, two Master’s degrees in Arts and Culture Management and Musicology, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration at IDEA College. Beyond her academic achievements, she is an accomplished musician and passionate advocate for the integration of arts within STEM education through a STEAM framework.
In her new role, Mary Ann aims to lead Esplora into a future where science and arts come together to inspire generations of learners, enhancing the Centre’s position as a dynamic hub for innovation, creativity, and scientific discovery.
“It is a true honour to take on this role at such a pivotal moment for Esplora,” Mary Ann said. “As we move from STEM to STEAM, we are embracing a bold and inclusive vision, one that places creativity and critical thinking at the heart of scientific exploration. By integrating the arts into science, we are not only expanding how we engage young people and communities, but also how we imagine and shape the future. Esplora has the potential to become a national and international reference point for interdisciplinary learning and innovation. I look forward to working with the dedicated team at Xjenza Malta, our partners, and our audiences to co-create experiences that are imaginative, accessible, and inspiring for all.”
Outside of her professional commitments, Mary Ann is a devoted mother to her son, Andrew.
