Our relationship with Maldives is not just a diplomatic one, it is more vibrant- D.M. Mulay

Indian High Commissioner D.M. Mulay has said that the joint endeavours between Maldives and India has built a more vibrant relationship between the two countries than just “official, diplomatic, country to country, state to state relationship.”

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the “International Artist’s Camp 2011” yesterday, High Commissioner Mulay said that India and Maldives have shared historic links of at least 2500 years and that it has developed into a very special vibrant relationship much broader than a state to state relationship.

Organizers of the event, United Artists of Maldives (UAM) informed that International Artists Camp 2011 will be held at Addu City from March 10^th to 19^th 2011. UAM said that it is being held with a view to enhance the exposure of local artists to the contemporary art scene, increase interaction and exchange of ideas amongst artists from neighboring nations.

Several upcoming artists, ten from Maldives and five from India, shall participate in the Camp. The event is being organized in association with the High Commission of India in Maldives.

The Camp will be the first of its kind in the country. UAM said that they have ambitions of gradually increasing the scope and extent of the Camp to cover various countries in the coming years and to turn it into an annual/biennial event.

UAM said that they believe that artists play an important role in building a nations future by fostering a culture of tolerance, creative thinking and freedom of expression that leads to strengthening of a democracy and respect for the rights of an individual.

The Camp will be an occasion, for artists from both countries, to interact and share their thoughts, techniques, style etc. thereby strengthening the closer cultural understanding between the art communities of both countries.