Pres pledges MVR 25 mil grant for local artists, artisans

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Saturday evening has announced a grant scheme worth MVR 25 million for local artists and artisans.

President Muizzu visited the “Unveiling Vision 2024” art expo, where he made the announcement after a meet and greet with the exhibiting artists.

While speaking at the expo, President Muizzu expressed artistic fields and work have not received deserved recognition previously. He assured the grant scheme will facilitate the means for artists and artisans to purchase the tools and equipment they need to produce their creative works.

“We will facilitate an MVR 25 million grant through the Ministry of Youth for the art and creative industry next year,” President Muizzu said. He added the grant aims to boost the creative industry’s productivity and provide academic or training opportunities for enthusiastic and aspiring artists.

Besides productivity increment and training opportunities for artists, President Muizzu promised his administration will enhance opportunities for artists to sell their work, which include prospective expos and art exhibitions.

Muizzu said the planned new youth ministry building in Hulhumale’ will provide dedicated infrastructure for artists and artisans as well. He promised exposure opportunities both domestically and internationally as well.

“Providing the opportunity to market and sell these products, that are produced from intellectual, material and creative talents, in an international digital platform is among the key objectives in our manifesto,” Muizzu said.

The initiatives, Muizzu said, are aimed towards increasing the avenues of income for artists and artisans globally.

President Muizzu was accompanied by Youth Minister Ibrahim Waheed, Local Government Minister Adam Shareef Umar and other senior government officials to the ‘Unveiling Vision 2024’ expo.