EVENTS

CAUDAN ARTS CENTRE

November-December 2024
Fuel your creativity! Join the month-long festivities at the Caudan Arts Centre and experience a beautiful exhibition, engaging talks, and exciting activities.
Mauritius Kestrel
Mauritius Kestrel
population about 350
Mauritius Ornate Day Gecko
Mauritius Ornate Day Gecko

KEY DATES

  • 19 April Competition opens for all
  • 3 September Deadline for Open and Hors-Concours
  • 12 September Deadline for Young Artists
  • September Selections declared
  • November Winners declared
  • 8 November Live exhibition opens to the public at the Caudan Arts Centre
    - Saturday events
    - Online exhibtion on the Samudra website
  • 8 December Exhibition closes
Wild Hindi

THEME

WILD! THE FLORA AND FAUNA OF OUR ISLANDS AND THE COMMUNITIES THEY SUPPORT.
Mauritius is home to a unique array of flora and fauna, including exquisite endemic species. As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) reliant on tourism, our growth depends heavily on our rich natural heritage. However, we face various conservation challenges, from habitat loss and invasive species to rapid urbanization and climate change impacts.
This year, the Samudra Art Prize invites you to celebrate the richness of our natural environment. By showing the beauty and diversity of Mauritius' flora and fauna, you can emphasize the importance of their protection.
You could also focus on ecologically-sensitive areas (ESAs) or even, simply, trees - both fundamental to our delicate ecosystems. ESAs are vital hotspots for Mauritian wildlife, providing essential
services like oxygen production, carbon sequestration, soil stabilization, and habitat. They also act as natural buffers against floods, landslides and storm surges! As for trees, they are particularly significant in mitigating soil erosion, conserving water resources and maintaining the island's unique microclimate.
You could also choose to highlight the symbiotic relationship between man and nature, particularly concerning food security. Mauritius' biodiversity plays a critical role in sustaining food sources like fruits, vegetables and medicinal plants. Did you know, for example, that our endemic Fruit Bat aids in pollinating native plants and seed dispersal? Healthy ecosystems support agriculture and fisheries as well.
Last but not least, our amazing fauna and flora offer intangible benefits like inspiration, cultural identity and a profound sense of connection akin, for some of us, to a spiritual experience. We hope this theme inspires your creativity!

COMPETITION

We invite artists aged 15 and above to create artworks that contribute to raising collective awareness on our current theme. Selected artworks will be displayed at the Caudan
Arts Centre for a month as part of a series of public events and outstanding artists will be awarded a prize. Embrace this opportunity to exhibit your work and make a difference!

TOTAL PRIZES WORTH Rs700,000+

Prizes will be awarded to artworks that demonstrate both exceptional quality and a strong connection to the theme.
YOUNG ARTISTS (15-19 YEARS)
Mauritius Commercial Bank
Five finalists will win the following:
- a 5-day workshop with professional artist Gael Froget worth Rs25,000 per artist.
- Savings accounts for the winner (Rs25,000) and for the 4 finalists (Rs5,000 each).
Palmiste
OPEN CATEGORY
    • Best Work Rs100,000
    • CIM Finance
    • Endemic Rs100,000
    • Casela Nature Parks
    • Impact Rs100,000
    • (subject to finding a sponsor)
    • Painting Rs50,000
    • Maurice Giraud Prize
    • Media Arts
    • Photography Rs50,000
    • Animation | Digital | Video Rs50,000
    • 3-Dimensional Arts
    • Attitude Foundation
    • Sculpture | Installation Rs50,000
    • Ceramics | Textile | Crafts Rs50,000
    • Street Art (commission) Rs50,000
    • Creative Park Beau Plan
    • Works on Paper Rs50,000
    • AfricaTech Holdings
    • Most Promising Newcomers
    • Caudan Arts Centre
    • Group exhibition.

OUR SPONSORS

We are immensely grateful to our partner, sponsors and contributors for their trust and their generous support. Through their commitment to this project, they celebrate our artists and help to raise awareness of our theme.

OUR PARTNER

KESTREL SPONSOR

PINK PIGEON SPONSORS

ECHO PARAKEET SPONSORS

CONTRIBUTORS

DEADLINES: Young Artists: 12 September; Open & Hors Concours: 3 September