Visual Arts students from the Faculty of Arts, The Maldives National University (MNU) participated in an inspiring field visit to OBLU Resort Helengeli, providing students with an opportunity to take their learning beyond the traditional classroom and gain practical exposure to the creative and hospitality industries.

The field visit provided an experiential learning environment where students could observe and engage with the application of visual arts and creative skills in a professional setting. By connecting academic learning with a real-world environment, the visit enabled students to broaden their understanding of how artistic knowledge and practical skills can be applied in different professional contexts.

The engagement also introduced students to the relationship between the creative sector and the Maldivian hospitality and tourism industry, an important part of the country’s economy. The experience provided students with greater awareness of potential career pathways where visual arts, creativity and design skills can contribute to professional and commercial environments.

The field visit further highlighted opportunities for creative talents to engage with local industries while recognising the importance of cultural expression and local creative practices. Such exposure can help students develop a broader understanding of how artistic skills can contribute to cultural and creative industries.

The field visit contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing experiential and practical learning opportunities that complement classroom-based education. It supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by exposing students to professional environments and potential career pathways within the creative and tourism-related sectors. The activity also aligns with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by highlighting the connection between creative practices, local culture and sustainable approaches within the hospitality and tourism context.