The government aims to open art galleries in all parts of the country to provide more opportunities for artists, says Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Yumna Maumoon.

Minister Yumna made the statement while speaking at the ceremony held to officially open the National Art Gallery’s permanent collection, on Thursday.

While speaking at the ceremony, the Minister stated that the administration seeks to provide opportunities for artists living in all parts of the country and noted that many successful efforts have been made to provide opportunities to the artists in Greater Male' Area.

Minister Yumna went onto express hope to open art galleries or arts and culture centers in different parts of the country. She went onto note that art galleries or arts and culture centers being opened in islands from the the north to the south of the country, would help revive arts and culture of the country. She noted that this would also help in heritage preservation.

The National Art Gallery’s permanent collection was inaugurated by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and First Lady Fazna Ahmed.

The permanent collection of the National Art Gallery comprises 44 art pieces, including 24 contributions from local artists and donations from internationally recognized artists.

Further, it combines two artworks that are part of the permanent collection at the National Museum and contributions from former foreign dignitaries who have previously served in the Maldives.

Multiple efforts have been made to introduce a permanent collection since the inauguration of the National Art Gallery in 2005, which has since been realized.

Following the opening of the National Art Gallery's Permanent Collection on 21 May 2023, the Permanent Collection will be open to the public from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm on 22 and 23 May and from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm every day thereafter. The Permanent Collection will be closed during prayer times.