Govt. grant scheme for artists, freelancers to be unveiled soon

A grant scheme to assist artists and freelancers in the Maldives will soon be unveiled, Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Yumna Maumoon has stated.

The Minister stated in a tweet that she met with Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail and Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameen via video conference to discuss the issues put forward by artists and freelancers in the country. She stated that Minister Fayyaz gave assurances of formulating a grant scheme for artists and freelancers during the meeting.

She also requested anyone negatively affected by the economic impact of the pandemic COVID-19, to register at the Job Center portal.

Just had an online meeting with Finance Minister @iameeru and Economic Minister @faya_i. to discuss the concerns of Artists. Minister Faya assured me that there is already a loan scheme in place and a grant scheme will be announced soon. 1/2 @MoACHmv @MoEDmv

— Yumna Maumoon (@yumna_maumoon) May 5, 2020

Concerns have been raised by artists and freelancers in the country including musicians who have stated that their source of income was closed off due to the virus.

The concerns began to boil over when Minister Fayyaz stated that the government did not have enough funds to assist freelancers in the country as part of the government’s relief packages. Minister Fayyaz then met with some artists of the country via video conference to discuss and listen to their issues.