What You Need to Know
The Mauritius Art and Culture Investment Summit convened leaders from various sectors to discuss investment opportunities in the arts. Policymakers, investors, and cultural institutions emphasized the importance of collaboration and the potential of art as an alternative asset. The initiative aims to strengthen the creative economy across the Indian Ocean region.
Africa-Press – Mauritius. A panel discussion, held this morning at the Ocean Creek Hotel in Baie du Tombeau, brought together policymakers, private sector leaders, investors, cultural institutions and creatives from across the region, including Comoros, Réunion Island, Seychelles and Madagascar, as well as representatives from Christie’s, a world-leading art and luxury auction house, and UNESCO. The discussions focused on emerging opportunities, investment frameworks and regional collaboration in the arts and cultural sectors.
The panel forms part of the Mauritius Art and Culture Investment Summit which was launched, yesterday, in the presence of the President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr Dharambeer Gokhool. The initiative aims to usher in a new era of cultural investment and strengthen the creative economy across the Indian Ocean region.
The Minister of Financial Services and Economic Planning, Dr Jyoti Jeetun, the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, Mrs Lisa Simrique Singh, the Founder of ZeeArts Gallery, Mrs Zaahirah Muthy, and other personalities were present.
In her keynote address, Minister Jeetun underlined that the Summit comes at a timely moment amid global uncertainties and geopolitical tensions. She noted that while investors traditionally focus on equities and bonds, art is increasingly being recognised as an alternative asset that can provide resilience against inflation and market volatility, while also offering strong cultural and emotional value.
She emphasised that the Summit serves as a platform to connect the creative and financial sectors, encouraging stronger collaboration and partnerships. Highlighting the region’s rich creative potential, she added that the initiative would help develop investment frameworks, foster strategic partnerships and promote cross-regional cooperation.
Minister Jeetun also pointed out that arts and culture can play an important role in diversifying Mauritius’ tourism offering, adding that as an International Financial Centre, Mauritius is well positioned to develop a dynamic ecosystem for art investment.
For her part, Mrs Singh highlighted art and culture as key pillars of a cohesive and sustainable world, stressing their transformative power. She noted that the Summit provides an important platform to raise awareness, encourage dialogue and build partnerships around regional priorities, while reaffirming the United Nations’ commitment to promoting art and culture globally and across Africa through the development of creative industries.
The Mauritius Art and Culture Investment Summit is a significant event aimed at fostering investment in the arts and culture sectors. It brings together stakeholders from various regions, including Comoros, Réunion Island, Seychelles, and Madagascar, to explore collaborative opportunities. This summit reflects a growing recognition of the arts as a vital component of economic resilience and cultural identity in the Indian Ocean region. Historically, Mauritius has positioned itself as a hub for cultural exchange and investment, leveraging its diverse heritage to attract global interest in its creative industries.
