The 365 Arts City Vision
In cities like Male’ and Hulhumale, cultural events are often large-scale spectacles scheduled infrequently across the calendar year. Existing venues attract audiences seeking high-production value experiences or exhibitions, with little room for local artists or grassroots initiatives. For those looking to enjoy smaller community events, the options are limited. The city’s only cinema, for instance, lacks the programming that fosters social interaction or supports local artists. Gallery spaces feel detached from everyday life and rarely offer the consistent activity needed to build a sense of community.
The result? A cultural drought between scheduled major events and a missed opportunity for fostering a thriving arts scene. The absence of smaller-scale, more consistent activities means people are missing out on opportunities to connect with one another, build community ties, and share creative ideas.
The 365 Arts City concept proposes a practical solution by forming a vibrant network of mini-venues spread across the city. This initiative reimagines urban spaces as hubs of cultural activity, ensuring that all residents have access to cultural experiences within a 15-minute walk from their home or workplace.
The beauty of the 365 Arts City lies in its simplicity and adaptability. They can be small spaces but hold big potential. Key features of the 365 Arts City concept include:
Spaces for Everyone: Small venues could be adopted by local businesses like cafes or restaurants, or even repurposed public areas like ferry terminals after hours.
Consistent Programming: To ensure venues stay active, “filler” events like old movie screenings, board game nights, and trivia quizzes should be run so there is always an event to attend.
Accessible Events: Events are affordable or free, removing barriers to participation and ensuring inclusivity.
Community Ownership: By engaging local communities in the setup and operation of these spaces, the concept fosters a sense of ownership and belonging.
Culture isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. It brings people together, inspires creativity, and enriches our daily lives. The impact of a 365 Arts City goes beyond providing entertainment—it transforms how we interact with our city and each other. Culture is often dismissed as a secondary concern, overshadowed by more "urgent" urban priorities like infrastructure, housing, or transportation. Yet culture plays a foundational role in addressing many of the social and community challenges our cities face today. The initiative would significantly address the isolation and atomisation of our society as it would create spaces where people can feel a sense of belonging. For all generations, exposure to the arts can foster creativity, critical thinking, and a sense of purpose. The 365 Arts City concept, by fostering culture into the daily lives of residents, it would layout the groundwork for a more connected, resilient, and inclusive society.
Eiesha Shahym works as a Publications Officer for Public Policy Lab. She did her LLB and BA from the University of South Australia. She is passionate about social policy, human rights, and policy development.
