Public art will celebrate Seychelles’ oceans across Mahé’s cityscape

The Save Our Seas Foundation, together with the Ministry for Tourism and Culture, is proud to announce Mahé Ocean Murals, a public art initiative led by the international non-profit PangeaSeed. This project celebrates the power of art and community in advancing ocean conservation.

From 20 to 30 March 2026, Seychellois artists and scientists, joined by international artists, will work together to design and bring to life large-scale murals in public spaces across the island. These are community-driven artworks and they will provide an opportunity to spark conversation, be inspired by Seychelles’ important ocean heritage and celebrate the nation’s commitment to protecting coastal culture and ocean life.

Poster artwork by artist @ay.vale

‘Mahé Ocean Murals highlights how tourism, culture and conservation can be combined to enrich the visitor experience while benefiting local communities by transforming public spaces through ocean-inspired art,’ said Sherin Francis, Principal Secretary for Tourism. ‘Partners are invited to join us in this art initiative, designed to communicate and amplify Seychelles’ ocean conservation and sustainability awareness.’

Seychelles protects some of the planet’s most important ocean life and ecosystems; its waters are alive with more than 1,000 fish species (many of which are found nowhere else on earth), important corals, four species of sea turtles (including the Endangered hawksbill and leatherback turtles), and at least 25 different species of whales and dolphins. The nation can be rightly proud of its biodiversity riches, in places like Aldabra Atoll, a World Heritage Site, and in its proactive approach to protect 30% of its ocean territory (one of the highest achievements in the world).

But Seychelles is on the front line of conservation challenges and solutions, and climate change, overfishing and pollution are threats that can still tip the fragile balance of this island nation into risk. Through accessible local art we can inspire, educate and motivate one another to ensure that Seychelles – and all its ocean resources – is sustained for its people today and for generations to come.

‘These murals celebrate ocean diversity and the incredible amount of talent and work that already exists locally in Seychelles, while raising awareness through visual storytelling. This is not the first mural activity and will hopefully not be our last – we want to showcase how we can integrate science and research. We are reaching communities through art in a way that reinforces Save Our Seas’ conservation mission,’ pointed out Sheena Talma, an SOSF ambassador.

Mahé Ocean Murals is where creativity meets conservation and where complex scientific information and issues can be made transparent and engaging. A parallel programme during the painting period will also be jam-packed with opportunities for developing local talent, engaging with the public and encouraging collaboration.

In addition, the project will include a free skills-development workshop for local Seychellois artists who are interested in learning about large-scale painting techniques and art advocacy. Workshop details and application information will be announced shortly.

A public event featuring a panel discussion by artists, scientists and conservationists will be paired with a film screening and youth activities. Event details to be announced.

‘Public art has a unique ability to make complex ocean science visible, human and locally relevant,’ said Akira Biondo, Director of Operations and a co-founder of PangeaSeed. ‘Mahé Ocean Murals is about creating lasting works that reflect Seychelles’ deep relationship with the ocean, while empowering local artists and communities to lead conversations about conservation long after the paint has dried.’

The confirmed artist line-up includes Kensuke Takahashi (Japan), George Rose (Australia), Ladislas Chachignot (France), and Marti Lund (South Africa). These artists will be joined by Seychellois artists Christi Olivier Savy, Jeanne Drouet, Rennick Charlette, and Zoe Chong-Seng, and participating artists from the workshop programme.

Presented by the Ministry for Tourism and Culture and the Save Our Seas Foundation, in accordance with the Mayor’s office in Victoria, Mahé Ocean Murals is made possible alongside additional project partners, including Woodworks, Alliance Française de Seychelles, The Palm Seychelles, and Wastea company Ltd.

‘Seychelles is an important place to celebrate the future of our seas and reflect on the strong ocean connections and conservation achievements by this island nation,’ says Abdulmohsen Abdulmalik Al-Sheikh, Founder of the Save Our Seas Foundation.