Significant work can be done to commemorate the memories of national struggles through competitions such as art and photography, Heena Waleed, the Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage, said. The minister spoke at a ceremony held to announce the results of a competition organised jointly with the National Centre for the Arts on Independence Day.
The primary objective of such contests, Minister Heena explained, is to revive the meaning of freedom and recall the culture, heritage, and ancestral sacrifices of the Maldives. Noting strong public enthusiasm, she announced plans to expand the event next year with enhanced prizes.
“More than 160 submissions were received,” Minister Heena remarked. “This demonstrated the widespread interest across all quarters for such endeavours. Art and photography competitions of this kind are exceptionally important to conduct in conjunction with these national occasions.”
The art competition was structured across three age brackets: ages 10 to 15, 16 to 20, and 21 and above. A total of 74 drawings were submitted, comprising 31 entries in the youngest group, 28 in the middle, and 15 in the senior tier. Participation in the photography contest was open to individuals aged 16 and older, drawing 90 entrants.
The top three victors in both categories received certificates and cash awards of USD 648.51 for first place, USD 389.11 for second, and USD 194.55 for third. The top ten drawings from each category and ten photographs were displayed in an exhibition.