Derived from Sanskrit, Samudra
signifies the gathering together of
waters, evoking images of oceans,
seas and confluences. This name holds
profound relevance for our Indian Ocean
island, not just in a literal sense but also
symbolically, representing the coming
together of diverse peoples, cultures and
artists for a common cause.
Mauritius Paradise Fly-Catcher population 400-800
The Samudra Art Prize is dedicated to raising collective awareness and engaging the public about pressing environmental and social issues.
Artists of all levels are
invited to create works
and exhibit side by
side in a vibrant and
joyful celebration of art
and creativity.
OUR STORY
In 2020, we organised Portraits for
Mauritian Heroes, a project honoring
COVID-19 frontline workers. Artists donated
their talent, creating portraits which were
then given to participating frontliners. This
moving exhibition held at the Caudan Arts
Centre was a powerful testament to the
impact and transformative potential of art.
Two years later, we built upon this success
with the launch of the Samudra Art Prize:
a biennial open competition inviting visual
artists to tackle critical environmental
or social issues through their work. Via
this platform, we provide artists with
the opportunity to showcase their work,
compete for prizes and sell their art, whilst
raising awareness of the current theme.
And we strive for inclusivity, which is why
everything is free: from participating in the
competition to visiting the exhibition and
attending the talks!
The theme for our inaugural edition was
'Our Amazing Coral Ecosystems - Reefs,
Lagoons, Beaches, Mangroves, and the
Communities they Support.'
Over 600 artworks were submitted, of
which 230 were chosen to be part of the
final exhibition hosted at the Caudan
Arts Centre. We awarded prizes to 18
exceptional artists, hosted free talks, and
collaborated with local NGOs to advance
our mission of raising awareness about our
amazing coral ecosystems. We're back this
year with a new theme!
The Caudan Arts Centre (CAC) provides the
ideal venue and know-how for our event.
We are working closely with the talented
CAC team who are contributing to our
project with their expertise.
Since its inauguration in December 2018,
the CAC's contemporary spatial architecture
and the technical quality of its theatre
have seduced performers and artists from
around the world, and is popular with a
local audience yearning for culture. It has
actively sought to promote the full range
of performing as well as visual arts by
putting on local and international shows
and creating strong educational links with
schools.
The CAC houses a state-of-the-art theatre
with 431 seats, 5 modular conference
rooms, 3-4 exhibition spaces, a restaurant,
6 dressing rooms, a rehearsal room, a
green room and 400 parking spaces.
Strategically situated in the heart of Port
Louis, the Mauritian capital, it is easily
accessible on foot, by road and from the
nearby metro and bus stations.