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Something seriously creative is making its way to our island (desti)nation! From 21 September to 5 October 2026, Austrian interdisciplinary artist Petra Maitz will join us at Kandima for an inspiring stay connected to Dhirun: Art for Biodiversity and our KULA Art Initiative.
Known for bringing contemporary art, science, and environmental awareness into the same creative space, Petra will turn her time at Kandima into an opportunity to make, share, and connect. Expect hands-on workshops, fascinating conversations, and a collaborative crochet reef taking shape right here in paradise. Ready to get creative?
Meet Petra Maitz
Petra Maitz is an internationally recognised Austrian artist whose work explores the relationship between contemporary art, science, and environmental activism. One of her long-running projects focuses on Lady Musgrave Reef, using collaboratively crocheted coral forms to spark conversations about marine biodiversity, climate change, and coral conservation. Now, her creative journey is heading to the Maldives, where the ocean becomes part of the inspiration.
Crochet, Create, and Join In
At Kandima, art is made to be experienced. During her stay, Petra will invite guests to get involved through crochet and creative workshops inspired by her artistic practice. She will also join talks and Q&A sessions exploring the connections between art, science, and marine biodiversity, giving curious minds the chance to discover more about the ideas behind her work. The creative exchange will reach beyond our guests too. Petra will connect with local artists, Kandima team members, and invited community participants, sharing perspectives and exploring how creativity can bring people closer to the marine world around us.
Dhirun: Art for Biodiversity
The creative energy continues on 24 September, when Petra contributes to the closing event of Dhirun: Art for Biodiversity. Her visit forms part of a KULA Art Initiative-led international artist programme connected to Dhirun, while the wider Dhirun installation is a separate UNDP initiative. Through Petra’s participation, the programme will bring art into conversations around marine biodiversity and invite people to engage with these ideas in an imaginative, hands-on way. And there is more to create. Petra will begin a collaborative Kandima crochet reef artwork through the KULA Art Initiative, giving participants the opportunity to contribute to an evolving piece inspired by the colourful world beneath the waves.
KULA Gets Creative
Creativity has long been part of life at Kandima. Through the KULA Art Initiative, we create opportunities for art, ideas, and people to come together on our island. Petra’s residency adds a fresh chapter to that story. Guests can meet an international artist, learn a new creative skill, and explore marine biodiversity from an entirely different perspective. Whether you are already handy with a crochet hook or have never picked one up before, there is room to join in. After all, holidays are a pretty good time to try something new.
Your Island Escape Just Got More Creative
Staying with us between 21 September and 5 October 2026? Add a little art to your beach days. Join Petra for a workshop, catch one of her talks, ask a question, or contribute to the collaborative crochet reef. You might arrive for the turquoise waters and seriously stylish island life, then leave with a new creative skill and a deeper connection to the ocean. That is your kind of island (desti)nation. Stay tuned for more details on Petra Maitz’s KULA Art programme and the Dhirun closing event at Kandima.
Ready for your best Maldives escape? Make Kandima your kind of island (desti)nation. Get in touch with the team at