The Art Law Foundation (ALF), established in Geneva in 1991, promotes research, professional exchange and education in art law and cultural property law. Its international membership brings together legal practitioners, academics, museums, galleries, auction houses and professionals working with art and cultural heritage.
Dr Maria Chetcuti Cauchi, Senior Partner responsible for Property, Philanthropy, Art & Cultural Property at Chetcuti Cauchi Advocates, joined the Foundation in 2026. Her membership complements the firm's work advising artists, collectors, family offices and cultural institutions on the ownership, protection, management and transfer of art and cultural assets.
About the Art Law Foundation
The Art Law Foundation, also known as the Fondation pour le droit de l'art, was established in Geneva in 1991 to promote research, dialogue and professional cooperation in art law and cultural property law.
The Foundation brings together legal professionals, academics and participants in the international art market, including museums, galleries, auction houses, collectors and other institutions concerned with the ownership, protection and circulation of works of art.
Its activities include conferences, academic research, professional seminars and publications addressing legal issues affecting art transactions, cultural heritage, copyright and the international art market.
The Foundation maintains close links with the Art-Law Centre at the University of Geneva, supporting academic research and the exchange of knowledge between legal practitioners and professionals working with cultural property.
It is also involved in the Responsible Art Market Initiative, which promotes responsible practices and due diligence in art transactions.
Chetcuti Cauchi and the Art Law Foundation
Dr Maria Chetcuti Cauchi is the Malta member of the Art Law Foundation. As Senior Partner responsible for the firm's Property, Philanthropy, Art & Cultural Property practice, Dr Chetcuti Cauchi advises on matters involving art ownership, acquisitions, cultural property, intellectual property, succession and the preservation of family and cultural assets.
Her membership reflects the international dimension of the firm's Art & Cultural Property practice, particularly where legal questions concerning art collections extend beyond a single jurisdiction.
The Foundation provides a professional setting for engagement with developments in international art law, comparative legal approaches, academic research and responsible art market practices.
Our Contribution to the Art Law Foundation
Dr Maria Chetcuti Cauchi's membership marks the beginning of the firm's professional engagement with the Art Law Foundation community.
This engagement provides opportunities for participation in professional discussions, research-led initiatives and exchanges concerning legal developments affecting the creation, ownership, acquisition, protection and transfer of artworks and cultural property.
Areas of particular professional relevance include the legal treatment of art collections within family wealth structures, provenance and title verification, cross-border acquisitions, cultural heritage protection and intellectual property rights.
The firm's participation is intended to develop alongside the Foundation's academic and professional activities, with future contributions documented as they arise.
Our Art Law Foundation Member
Dr Maria Chetcuti Cauchi is a co-founding partner of Chetcuti Cauchi Advocates and leads its Property, Philanthropy, Art & Cultural Property advisory practice.
Her professional work combines property law, private client advisory and legal issues affecting art and cultural property, particularly where ownership, acquisitions, collections governance and succession planning intersect.
A member of the Art Law Foundation, Dr Chetcuti Cauchi maintains a particular professional interest in the legal protection and responsible stewardship of artistic and cultural assets.
Publications and Thought Leadership
Chetcuti Cauchi's Art & Cultural Property practice addresses legal questions relevant to artists, private collectors, cultural institutions and families holding significant art assets.
The firm's existing legal commentary and professional work examine matters including intellectual property protection, ownership structures, acquisition due diligence, contractual arrangements and succession planning.
Dr Chetcuti Cauchi has also contributed to the firm's wider intellectual property law commentary, including its 2026 overview of Malta's intellectual property legal framework and developments.
Professional publications or research contributions specifically undertaken through the Art Law Foundation will be included as that involvement develops.
Related Art and Cultural Property Expertise
Chetcuti Cauchi's Art & Cultural Property practice advises private collectors, artists, cultural institutions, family offices, foundations and owners of culturally significant assets.
The practice brings together legal expertise in property, intellectual property, private wealth, philanthropy, tax and succession planning.
Its work includes the legal aspects of acquiring, owning, transferring, lending and preserving artworks and collections, including matters involving provenance, authenticity, title, contractual rights and cross-border considerations.
For families and collectors holding art as part of their wider wealth, the practice also addresses the intersection between cultural assets, family governance, philanthropic objectives and succession arrangements.
