Grants worth MVR 25 million will be arranged for Maldivian artists from the Youth Ministry's budget starting next year, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said last night.
Speaking after observing the "Unveiling Visions 2024" exhibition organised by the Maldives Artists Community at the art gallery, President Muizzu pledged to provide financial assistance to support the work of the community and local artists.
Opportunities will be facilitated for both working artists and aspiring artists seeking to enter the industry, he said. Grant aid will be provided with funds released by the Youth Ministry for artists to buy equipment or learn the craft, the President said. Grants will be provided through a process to be put in place, he added.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu observing a painting at the Unveiling Visions exhibition. -- Photo: President's Office
In addition to arranging space in Male' and Hulhumale' for holding art exhibitions, a special studio for artists will be developed in Hulhumale' and exhibitions will be organised in the Maldives and overseas, President Muizzu said.
"The Maldives will progress when the government facilitates opportunities for youth and artists in the country. Putting up buildings isn't enough for progress. We have to allow the opportunity for minds to progress. The opportunity could only be provided for minds to progress if there is intention to work towards that. God willing, we have that intent," President Muizzu said.
"Our government wants you to give your opinions freely. To share what you see as the best way. When you share, I will try to shape it accordingly."
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu observing a painting at the Unveiling Visions exhibition. -- Photo: President's Office
Efforts are underway to enable the use of online payment gateways including PayPal in the Maldives in order to support local artists and youth, President Muizzu said. But results have not been achieved yet as “a lot of work” was required for it. Establishing a creator economy was a campaign pledge, he noted.
“Work needed to open up the opportunity for you to sell your talents is being done. The assurance that I will give you is that this work will be successful. When it is successful, the opportunity will be facilitated for you to be able to sell your work anywhere in the world and earn an income from it,” President Muizzu said.
During the presidential election campaign, President Muizzu pledged to establish a creator economy to enable youth to sell their work in the international market, introduce PayPal and other payment gateways, allow the opening of seller accounts, and provide a citizen's wallet to everyone.
This year's "Unveiling Visions" exhibition features the work of 105 artists. The exhibition ends on Sunday.
