New for this year, we’re delighted to be working with the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture and therefore able to offer a host of interesting and unique volunteering experiences throughout all sectors of the Arts.
The Maldives is a land of diverse culture, and is famous throughout the world for its rich cultural heritage. This heritage reflects the traditions of the various communities who over the centuries have settled in this unique island country.
Festivals are full of colour and vibrancy, dance and music all from a rich cultural pot.
The Maldives also has a rich art history, which is evident in many disciplines – from carved tombstones, and artwork on mosques, lacquer ware and weaves, to the extraordinary skill of boatbuilding with the indigenous coconut wood.
There is a lot of talent in the Maldives, but often there is not an appropriate stage to show it off, or not the tutoring opportunities to develop the talents to their true potential. This is where our volunteers come in!
Volunteer Maldives will give unique opportunities for international artists, and Maldivian artists alike, to make the most of their talents. We offer placements for volunteers in classes, workshops, the National Gallery, and the National Museum .Please go through the project categories to see where you would be best placed – be it as a musician, a craftsperson, an actor, archivist, or a curator!
Aiming to expand the Arts and Culture program throughout the island communities, the department needs much help in facilitating this objective.
All disciplines of art are to be used to educate, motivate and inspire a huge cross section of the population, especially the youth of the Maldives, many of whom have exceptional talent just waiting to burst out, but need direction and advice as to where to take it! The Arts and Culture Department want to expand and create outlets for the youth to channel their creative energies into something positive.
With a lack of clubs/societies and support groups for all social groups in this tiny county, perhaps inevitably, there are growing social problems amongst the nation’s youth which include substance abuse, gang behavior, and violence.
In order to develop the already established, and the untapped talent, we need volunteers to come and tutor/teach a variety of activities. This includes music (all instruments) – musicians can take classes in the capital of Male, and will also have an opportunity to visit other islands to teach youngsters from their homes – this will enable them to be able to play to audiences on tourist resorts. All kinds of design work – including computer, graphic, and specialist forms. Theatre/drama students may like to come and spend some time, to teach and perhaps put on a play.
Maybe you’re a budding film or documentary/media student? – You’ll be welcome to utilize that talent on the islands, where you can depict the lives of Maldivians through video/television, and in turn teach a group of kids to do the same.
As an abstract contemporary artist – would you like to showcase your work at the National Gallery here in the Maldives, and get your work seen? We can arrange it for you; in return, you can impart you skills and love of art to a classroom of other budding artists.