Youth Vision: An Art Workshop, the Maldives

In the Maldives, a greater youth population of nearly 47% presents a valuable opportunity as the nation strives to achieve sustainable development. However, pre-existing inequalities act as a barrier to the realization of youth's potential. Youth in the Maldives are faced with lack of education and employment opportunities as well as limited access to recreation and sports. These factors have contributed to a growing sense of disenfranchisement and exclusion, with many turning to drugs, substance abuse, and violence. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the existing inequalities and worsen this situation for youth.

In response, UNDP Maldives in partnership with Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Ooredoo Maldives and European Union held the Youth Vision Art Workshop which aims to create a space for participants to meaningfully engage with each other while building their leadership skills and critical thinking. It also seeks to provide participants with the opportunity to explore creative means to tackle feelings of boredom, stress and isolation due to the pandemic while simultaneously encouraging using art as a means to spark conversations on issues faced by the society. 

A series of 8-day Virtual Art Camps were conducted targeting young girls and boys aged 16 – 25 years during the month of December. The series included 2 workshops with a total of 50 participants. As part of the workshop, participants were guided and mentored to create an art piece that reflects their own personal stories and lived experiences. To find out more about the participant’s experience throughout the workshop and their journey to the final exhibition, check out the blog. All artworks are now showcased in a virtual exhibition.

See the virtual exhibition here.