A New Chapter for Sistina Art – Reimagining Art Supplies in Malta

By Prabjit Chohan-Patel

Art begins long before the first brushstroke. It begins in the quiet ritual of choosing materials. The texture of paper stock, the soft grain of a pastel, the familiar smell of oil paint, the feeling of the right pencil in your hand. Artists understand this deeply. 

Creating is not just about the finished work. It’s about the tools, materials and textures that make that very work possible. And for four decades, Sistina has played an essential role in this creative work – supporting artists in Malta who need high-quality art supplies. 

As a trusted destination for professional artists, students, and art hobbyists alike, Sistina has always been more than just an art materials retailer. Since opening its doors in 1984, our family-owned business has been a nurturing space for shared knowledge, tailored guidance and genuine respect for the creative discipline – helping dreamers and visionaries articulate their unique stories through art. 

Now, Sistina’s own story enters its next chapter… with fresh branding and a fully streamlined online presence.

The needs of today’s artists are evolving. And in an increasingly digital world, Sistina is evolving alongside them – as we introduce our updated online store and move from our Sliema venue.

This significant transition doesn’t just mark a new era for art supplies in Malta. It heralds a new one for the island’s artists themselves. We’re making it easier for artists like you to access Sistina from wherever you are and to benefit from a more meaningful online shopping journey. 

Blending legacy with future direction, our all new website reflects the same care, expertise, and personal touch we’ve historically prided ourselves on giving our customers. In keeping with our reputation for solid product knowledge, our online shop features detailed item descriptions, reinforced by our dedicated customer support and boutique-style service. Meanwhile, easy navigation, thoughtful presentation, and dependable delivery straight to your door – in packaging featuring our stunning new logo – are all part of the upgraded digital experience.

 Art is a living discipline. Our curated collection reflects this, as it is shaped by decades of hands-on familiarity with different materials, and a commitment to following the latest innovations in the world of fine art supplies.  

Naturally, our digital relaunch honours this brand spirit and upholds the values that built Sistina’s foundations: prioritising craftsmanship, maintaining premium quality, and respecting the very essence of creativity.

This means peace of mind for our customers that we still house trusted premium makers including Maimeri® and Hahnemühle®, and that we continue to offer the expert assistance that comes with this. It means that whatever your required medium, Sistina brings you modern materials that open creative doors. Schmincke®’s rich chalk pastels (in over 200 glorious colours!), Fabriano®’s 100% cotton paper (still made with their signature artisan flair) and daVinci’s beautifully crafted brushes are just three examples in our portfolio of 2250 product lines.

And of course, we’re continually introducing new products and lines, always with artists’ needs at the centre, including the upcoming addition of Cretacolor to our catalogue. So if there’s something specific you’re searching for, we’ll make it our mission to source it.

This is why Sistina exists.

Not just to stock fine art supplies. But to facilitate your creative process and the way artists work today. To ensure that Malta’s artists spend less time hunting for materials and more time making art. Because we understand that access, time, and reliability all matter. 

So yes, we’re delighted to show that this understanding is alive and well today in our online format – specifically designed around making the choosing of art supplies pleasurable and constructive. 

No matter what creativity looks like for you right now – painting in a home studio, preparing for an exhibition, buying classroom supplies, or just reigniting your creative spark after a long time – Sistina meets you where you are, with the best materials, sound advice and consistent attention. 

And for those who still love to browse art supplies in person, Sistina will continue to maintain a physical presence, welcoming artists at our new Mellieha location at 44, St Michael Street, Mellieha (open Monday to Saturday from 10am-2pm)

Explore at your leisure. Discover the materials that speak to your practice. And let Sistina Art help you bring your ideas to life.

We’d love to be part of what you create next. 

Browse the full Sistina collection here.