EmpowerHer Talk Series at VUT: When Creation Seeks Space and Expression

In Mauritius, an increasing number of women are using art as a means of expression, but merely creating is not always enough; it is also crucial to find spaces for visibility, structure their practice, and aspire to make a living from it. This reality framed the third edition of the #EmpowerHer Talk Series, organized by the Victoria Urban Terminal (VUT). This event, themed “Women, Art & the Power of Expression,” brought together four Mauritian artists — Arad Rambhojun, a fashion designer specializing in upcycling; Elizabeth de Marcy Chelin Chabert, an artist and entrepreneur; Rebecca D’Souza, a poet and author; and Shakti Callikan, a cultural explorer — alongside moderator Dilesh Sharma. Ms. Véronique Leu-Govind, the Minister Delegate for Arts and Culture, was also present.

This year, discussions highlighted a central issue: the importance of developing dedicated spaces for creation and artistic sharing. Whether physical places, cultural events, or collective initiatives, these spaces play a key role. They allow artists to meet, confront their visions, and make their work more accessible to the public. For Rebecca D’Souza, these spaces are primarily places of expression and personal transformation. “Listening and dialogue among female artists enrich our approach to art. Representation plays an essential role, and the intention we put into our work has a real impact. Raising awareness and making art more accessible helps create deeper connections with individuals,” the author emphasized.

Structuring and professionalizing artistic professions has emerged as a crucial lever for allowing artists to thrive from their art. This dynamic is also underscored by Arad Rambhojun: “It’s inspiring to see that we all have personal projects that contribute, in their own way, to advancing women in the arts and Mauritian culture. I also find it encouraging that more and more platforms are emerging to showcase talents, whether established or emerging, thereby contributing to better structuring and recognition of the artistic sector — a positive advancement, but one that still needs amplification to ensure real visibility and sustainable living prospects for artists.”

“An artist should be able to live from their art.”

However, expression also requires overcoming certain barriers, including the judgment of others. Shakti Callikan reminds us that the courage to create and share one’s work is essential: “During the Q&A session, the question of the courage to express oneself was raised: how do we find the courage to share our work without fearing the opinions of others? It reminded me of a saying my grandmother used to tell me: ‘dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.’ People will always talk, no matter what. So, we might as well create, express ourselves, and let our art exist.”

Beyond these dimensions, a central question remains: that of recognition and structuring of the artistic sector. In a context where benchmarks are still limited, this structuring is essential for enabling artists to establish themselves long-term. Elizabeth de Marcy Chelin Chabert emphasized this point: “For me, the question of valuing artistic professions is essential. An artist should be able to live from their art, and a business can be both creative and viable. Professionalizing artists and artisans is therefore a priority.”

In light of these challenges, the need to create physical, cultural, and symbolic spaces emerges as a common thread, highlights Evans Chavreemootoo, Marketing & Commercial Executive of VUT. “Through this type of initiative, Victoria Urban Terminal encourages exchanges and provides platforms for expression to local talents. That is why, for the #EmpowerHer Talk Series 2026, which honors a different sector each year, it was essential to give a voice to four women shaping the Mauritian creative industry,” he states.

Creative and cultural industries represent significant potential in Mauritius, even though much remains to be developed. Therefore, it is important for VUT to contribute to structuring and animating this ecosystem to reveal its richness through various initiatives such as Busker’s Corner, a platform dedicated to street artists, launched to provide visibility for local musicians, singers, and dancers, or the #EmpowerHer Talk Series, which fosters exchanges and opens new perspectives.