World Art Day 2026: Exhibition showcases local and international talent

In the context of World Art Day (WAD) observed annually on 15 April, an exhibition showcasing a rich diversity of artistic expressions of Mauritian and International artists was launched, yesterday at the Nelson Mandela Centre for African Culture Trust Fund in La Tour Koenig, in the presence of the Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Mahendra Gondeea.

The High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa to Mauritius, Dr Hlamalani Nelly Manzini; the Member of the National Assembly, Mr Ram Etwareea; the Director of the Nelson Madela Centre for African Culture, Mr Stephan Karghoo; and the President of the Artist Association Action for Artistic Creativity, Mr Nishal Purbhoo, were among the key attendees.

Organised by the NGO Action for Artistic Creativity in collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Centre for African Culture Trust Fund, the exhibition features work by artists from several countries, including Madagascar, India, Russia, Poland, Réunion Island, Seychelles, Lithuania, Malaysia, and the Union of the Comoros.

In his address, Minister Gondeea reaffirmed Government’s commitment to supporting the development of the arts sector and ensuring that creativity continues to play a central role in national development. He emphasised the importance of artists in shaping national identity and preserving cultural heritage, describing them as both creators and custodians of history and storytelling.

He also noted that in a context of global uncertainty, the arts serve as a powerful unifying force that fosters dialogue, mutual understanding, and resilience. Government, he added, remains committed to advancing initiatives that strengthen the cultural sector and enhance the status of artists in Mauritius.

The Minister further highlighted key challenges facing the visual arts sector, including the need for a dedicated national gallery to provide local artists with a professional platform to exhibit their work and engage more effectively with the public.

World Art Day 2026

The WAD is an occasion to celebrate the vital role of art in promoting cultural diversity, dialogue, and social cohesion, reinforce links between artistic creations and society, encourage greater awareness of the diversity of artistic expressions and highlight the contribution of artists to sustainable development.

17 April 2026

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Topics: Culture