The second edition of the Mauritius International Art Fair (MIAF) kicked off today at Le Meridien, Balaclava with a conference and will continue till June 26, 2022, at the Galerie du Génie, EDITH in Port Louis. After the success of the first edition of MIAF in 2019, this second edition promises to be more rewarding with several partners who have joined this initiative of renowned artist and art curator Zaahirah Muthy, a Mauritian which has proven itself internationally. This year’s theme is “Bridge the Gap; Build the future.”
With the collective support of the Economic Development Board of Mauritius (EDB) and others partners, this event sees itself as a synergy of culture, creativity, diversity and symbiosis to offer on the African continent and surrounding regions. MIAF’s vision is to promote art in its many facets and to make Mauritius an artistic and cultural destination, while by highlighting its wealth and its heritage. This artistic gathering is the long-awaited opportunity for local and international artists to showcase their talents after two tumultuous years of Covid-19.
The conference was dedicated to the theme Art & Finance was an integral part of the MIAF 2022 in order to focus attention on the future of art in the business world. In his welcoming speech, Mr Ken Poonoosawmy, Chief Executive Officer of the Economic Development Board (EDB) stated, “It is a great privilege to be here today for the 2nd edition. We have received positive responses from numerous local, regional and international artists this year from more than 30 countries. At the EDB, we are convinced that we can get significant in considering the art market as a segment of creative economy for Mauritius and thus it will drive investment, create jobs and generating employment. The experts present here today will talk much more on the contribution. In fact, studies have shown that art market presents 30% of the Global GDP. It is estimated to grow at 40% by 2030 with 8 million jobs being provided in the market. The latest figures by Deloitte’s Art and Finance 2021 reports are estimated to reach between USD $24 million and USD $28.2 million.”
He also added, “When we look art and artists, there are certain steps to it. There are people investing in it. So, art is being seen as an alternative asset class and it is being incorporated by wealth management as well. As the high-net-worth individuals grow and the art market matures, there is a huge demand for financial innovation – opportunities for art and artists. The trend towards art and collectibles is creating a new demand for financial services, including NFTs. More people are looking at the art market as a traditional investment asset. Our initiative today comes at the right time.”
MIAF 2022 will highlight the works of art of the artists and to create a collective platform in order to promote Mauritius as a cultural destination that vibrates with talent and know-how. It is also an opportunity to give children the chance to give free rein to their imagination with the session of ‘Little Picasso’ among other activities that will be implemented during the event. A vernissage with the paintings of several artists is also part of the event. A dedication session to the artists, named, ‘Artist Avenue’, will also be there. A day dedicated to art is also on the program with several cultural associations. This in the aim of promoting a cultural and artistic exchange among talents from here and elsewhere as well good to create a synergy.
On the program, A panel discussion on the ‘Tokenization of Arts’ which will also be on the agenda to share awareness on the NFT which aligns with the launch of ‘Arts Connects Women Digital’, the first digital platform for women on the NFT.
Sharing her views on how Mauritius can become the leading art investment destination, Ms Zaahirah Muthy, “The aim is to position Mauritius as a multi cultural destination for its cultural wealth and heritage as well as to make art an asset class investment hub in Africa and the region. Mauritius has come through different phases from the wave of industrialisation, manufacturing revolution catalysed as a choice hub, development of information and technology, and now, art and cultural sector. Mauritius is nestled in a very strategic location with access to Asia, Africa and Australia. MIAF aims to advocate, educate the original work of art by put forward by local, regional, the diaspora and the international artists. It also serves to network and engage in artistic dialogue and cultural exchange. A highlight of the MIAF 2022 is the Sustainable goals for arts, an initiative in collaboration with the British Council of Mauritius. Zee Arts is also going to be launching its own NFT platform for women artists globally – the Arts Connect Movement digital will provide a digital space for women artists to showcase their work on the platform as NFTs. This conference today, is in line with the vision of the EDB to raise awareness and enhance knowledge of art investment, risk management and revolution of the digital art with NFTs.”
She went onto add, “I’m a firm believer that art is a catalyst in social change, it is a universal language that connects people and today, the art landscape in Mauritius is very prominent. Our island has a great pool of talent which can transform into a bespoke system. Mauritius is welcoming cultural investors from across the world, a gateway to a successful artistic destination. Mauritius can also lead the art auction market in Africa and the region.”
The opportunity will also be given to visitors to make purchases of works of art, sculptures, paintings, photographers and other installations that will be exhibited and sold at the Gallery EDITH. A fashion show by students from the Fashion and Design Institute (FDI) on the sustainable development is also planned for the day dedicated to artists, which includes the session ‘Artists Avenue’ at the initiative of several cultural activities which will be initiated during the four days of MIAF 2022.
