Prof. Charlene Vella, Associate Prof.  in the Department of Art and Art History at the University of Malta Faculty of Arts, was honoured at Mara, the second event organised by Dr Lydia Abela to celebrate the achievements of exceptional women in Malta. Prof. Vella was recognised as the first female full-time lecturer in Art History at the University of Malta and the first female to be promoted to Associate Professor in the same field.

Held on the evening of Friday 7 March, Mara brought together leading figures from diverse fields to acknowledge and commend the invaluable contributions of women to society, culture, academia, medicine, and beyond. Prof. Vella was recognised for her work as an art historian, curator, and educator, particularly in Medieval and Renaissance art and Mediterranean art history.

As part of her research, Prof. Vella oversees the diagnostic analysis and conservation of Medieval and Renaissance artworks in Malta. Through this work, she has contributed to cultural preservation and the shaping of Malta’s artistic and historical narrative. She also emphasises the significance of promoting art and knowledge beyond the academic sphere, ensuring that Malta’s rich heritage continues to inspire future generations.

Prof. Vella has dedicated much time to research, teaching, and curatorial work, fostering a deeper understanding of the Mediterranean region's artistic traditions. Her contributions to the Faculty of Arts have been instrumental in advancing the study of art history in the country, including the introduction and promotion of the digital humanities and technical art history.

Through her curatorial practice, she has championed both established and emerging artists, bridging historical perspectives with contemporary artistic expression. She is currently working towards an exhibition of international photographer Lorenzo Agius, scheduled to open at Spazju Kreattiv in Valletta in mid-September.

The Mara event, spearheaded by Dr Lydia Abela, serves as a platform to celebrate female leadership, creativity, and resilience. This year’s edition continued to honour women whose dedication and influence contribute significantly to the Maltese cultural and academic landscape.

Prof. Vella also serves as a Trustee of the Alfred Chircop (1933–2015) Trust and has been a member of the Planning Authority’s Design Advisory Committee since April 2016. She is a board member of the Catholic Institute, Floriana, serves on the Scientific Committee of the academic journal Studi Storici Siciliani: Trimestrale di Storia della Sicilia Moderna e Contemporanea, is Secretary of the Voluntary Organisation Association of St Mary of Jesus, Franciscan Friars, Rabat, Malta, and a member of the board of administrators of the Notarial Archives Foundation, Valletta.