Skills Development Workshop
Mahé Ocean Murals
We’re excited to invite Mahé-based artists to apply for the Mahé Ocean Murals Skills Development Workshop, a five-day intensive focused on large-scale public mural painting taking place in Victoria from March 23–27, 2026.
Presented by Save Our Seas Foundation and produced by PangeaSeed, this workshop is part of the broader Mahé Ocean Murals initiative, which brings together local and international artists, marine scientists, and community members to create impactful public artworks centered on ocean health. Participants will explore how land, sea, ecosystems, and people are interconnected and translate those ideas into compelling visual storytelling at mural scale.
If, after reading the below guidelines, you believe this opportunity is for you, submit your application today!
About the Opportunity
This free 5-day mural painting workshop is designed for artists with an established 2-D practice who are ready to expand their work into the public realm.
Participants will gain hands-on experience in:
- Translating small-scale artwork into mural-scale compositions
- Developing environmental storytelling rooted in Seychelles’ marine context
- Scaling and transferring designs to large surfaces
- Surface preparation and mural techniques
- Working in a collaborative public setting
- Presenting and speaking about their work
Each selected participant will design and paint their own “mini mural” on the exterior wall of English River Secondary School, in a highly visible public location in Victoria.
This is a rare opportunity to create a permanent public artwork while receiving mentorship from international muralist Nina Valkhoff, alongside a local co-facilitator and the Mahé Ocean Murals production team.
Who Should Apply
This workshop is intended for:
- Artists based on Mahé
- 18 years or older
- Artists with a demonstrated 2-D practice (painting, drawing, illustration, design, etc.)
- Those with limited or no experience in large-scale mural painting
- Artists ready to commit fully to five intensive outdoor working days
This is not a beginner art course. Applicants should have a strong foundation in visual art and be prepared to work at scale in a collaborative, public environment.
Up to 8 participants will be selected through an application process.
What to Expect
Workshop Structure
Selected participants will attend:
- A mandatory pre-workshop virtual orientation session
- Five in-person workshop days (March 23–27)
Participants will be asked to prepare a preliminary concept in advance, based on a simplified thematic brief aligned with the Mahé Ocean Murals project.
During the week, concepts will be refined, scaled, transferred to the wall, and completed.
What Participants Receive
- Five days of intensive mural training and mentorship
- All materials provided
- Lunch, snacks, and water during active workshop days
- A completed public mural section
- Professional documentation photography
- Public credit within the Mahé Ocean Murals project
- A certificate of completion
There is no participation fee. This is a free, selective workshop.
Commitment & Expectations
Participants must:
- Attend all five workshop days in full
- Arrive prepared with a preliminary concept
- Work outdoors for extended periods
- Meet daily progress milestones
- Complete their mural section by March 27
- Respect shared space, safety guidelines, and collaborative processes
Weather Contingency
Workshop activities are weather-dependent. In the event of severe weather, adjustments may be made to format or location.
Application Process
Selected participants will be notified by: Wed, March 18, 2026
We look forward to supporting the next generation of mural artists in Seychelles.
To apply, please complete the online application form, which includes:
- Full name
- Contact information
- Portfolio or examples of past work
- Why you are interested in participating in this workshop