Arte Moris

The vision and day-to-day practice of ARTE MORIS is one of creativity, cooperation, and commitment to artistic endeavor. These priorities combine with an open door policy, to create an environment in which young Timorese people from all backgrounds can feel comfortable to participate in art making and express themselves freely through fine art. Part of the school's vision is to encourage students' personal growth, individual and communal self-esteem, and other life skills. While classroom settings primarily develop artistic skills and talents, just as important is the actual process of learning - with its associated successes and failures - in an atmosphere of guidance and encouragement which allows students to experiment, build self-confidence and expand upon their own vision of themselves and their new nation. Arte Moris demonstrates its commitment to fine art and the students by hosting and liaising with international artists. In the process of exchanging ideas and techniques with overseas artists, students encounter the reality of art as a viable livelihood. The school also presents exhibitions of the artworks overseas and sends its students to study at art related institutions. The ultimate aim of ARTE MORIS is to see it operated entirely by East Timorese people. To this end, senior students are actively involved in the daily management and administration of the school - including the organization of collaborative projects with local NGO's and other artists' groups, the hosting of visitors to the centre, the planning and presenting of fine art exhibitions, and the fulfillment of commissioned work.