The government is preparing to issue financial assistance to artists under a new support scheme set to launch next month. The initiative was revealed during the sixth session of the ‘Ahaa’ forum, a public engagement platform jointly organised by the President’s Office and state media, PSM.
Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, Ibrahim Waheed, shared that the scheme is a key policy decision by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to promote the arts sector. The necessary policy framework has already been developed, with input from the artistic community, and final work on implementation is now underway. Regulations for the scheme are currently being drafted, while a dedicated online portal is being built to manage applications and disbursements. If technical issues are avoided, the first disbursements are expected to begin next month.
Alongside this, a production house intended for artists is under construction. The project is being carried out by the Business Centre Corporation (BCC) and is scheduled to be completed later this year.
During the forum, the government also addressed the longstanding public demand for modern cinema infrastructure. A new four-screen cinema complex is planned for Hulhumale’, with the aim of addressing the lack of screening space currently facing the local film industry. Unlike the existing Olympus Theatre in Male’, which can only screen one film at a time, the planned cinema will allow multiple films to run simultaneously and will include additional entertainment features such as gaming and shopping spaces.
The new cinema is expected to ease the challenges faced by Maldivian producers who have struggled to release films due to limited screen availability. Discussions are ongoing with the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) regarding the project, and foreign investors have expressed interest in collaborating.
The Olympus Theatre, established in 1957, remains the largest cinema in the country. It was reopened in 2023 after renovations but is still seen as insufficient to meet current demand. The government’s latest plans reflect a shift towards developing a more versatile and modern entertainment offering.
The ‘Ahaa’ forum continues to serve as a platform for government officials to engage directly with the public. Questions for the forum are accepted through multiple channels, including in-person attendance, phone, SMS, and social media.
