Finolhu's 2026 'A Year in Colour': Artist Residencies in the Maldives

02 January, 2026

Nestled in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, is proud to unveil a groundbreaking cultural initiative: "A Year in Colour" Art & Design Year 2026. As the first Design Hotels™ member in the Maldives, Finolhu cements its status as a pioneer of creative luxury with this year-long celebration of art, design, and island inspiration. This first-of-its-kind program in the Maldives promises to transform the guest experience through immersive artist residencies, dynamic collaborations, and interactive workshops that blur the lines between travel, art, and community.

Curated to reflect Finolhu’s bold aesthetic—where vibrant colour, sustainable design, and relaxed luxury converge—the program will host a rotating roster of internationally acclaimed artists and designers throughout 2026. Each creative will draw inspiration from the island’s breathtaking natural beauty and rich Maldivian heritage, inviting guests to engage directly with the artistic process.

A Kaleidoscope of Global Creativity: The 2026 Artist Line-Up

From visionary painters to celebrated pastry artists, the confirmed calendar features talent from the U.S., U.K., Germany, Russia, the Middle East, Asia, and of course, the Maldives itself. Here’s a preview of the creative journey awaiting guests.

January: Sarah Stieber – Electrifying Colour & Empowerment

• Dates: January 4 – 17

• Origin: U.S.-based artist

• Experience: Dive into Sarah Stieber’s world of empowering, vibrant art. Known for her dynamic figures and explosive colour palettes, Sarah will lead Tape Painting Workshops. Guests of all ages and skill levels can learn her signature technique, using vinyl tape to create crisp, geometric compositions inspired by the island’s tropical hues.

• Follow: @sarahstieber

February: Chef Janice Wong – Edible Art & Multi-Sensory Design

• Dates: February 17 – 22

• Origin: Singapore-based pastry artist

• Experience: Asia’s Best Pastry Chef, Janice Wong, transforms chocolate into art. In her immersive workshops, families and teens can paint, mold, and sculpt edible masterpieces. The sessions are inspired by Hanifaru Bay, allowing guests to craft figurines that celebrate the atoll’s UNESCO status.

• Follow: @janicewongsg

March & April: Local & International Perspectives

• Anna Bochkova (March 5-18): The Germany-based visual artist will explore geometry and abstraction, transforming Finolhu’s landscape into studies of movement and minimalism. Workshop details to be announced.

  • Follow: @anna_bochkova

• Hussain Ihfal Ahmed (Iffa) (March 26 - April 15): Spotlighting Maldivian talent, this National Award-winning artist offers unique Acrylic and Coffee Painting Workshops. Learn to create textured, warm artworks using his signature coffee medium, deeply connecting with local culture.

  • Follow: @iphpha_gallery

May – September: Sustainability & Ocean-Inspired Collaborations

The summer months feature Finolhu’s Resident Artist, Md. Nakib Rahman, whose calming ceramic "Earth & Ocean" workshops promote mindfulness. He is joined by Sri Lankan artist Yashika Pitigala, who guides intuitive "Moments in Motion" painting sessions by the lagoon, translating the ocean's rhythm onto canvas.

October: Matthew Williamson – Joyful Maximalism

• Dates: October 21 – 31

• Origin: U.K.-based designer

• Experience: The iconic British designer brings his joyful maximalism to the island. In an exclusive workshop, Matthew will demonstrate his abstract painting style, guiding guests in creating contemporary art inspired by native palm trees and the vibrant landscape.

• Follow: @matthewwilliamson

November: Yakov Khomich – Light, Emotion & Landscape

• Dates: November 3 – 13

• Origin: Russia-based artist

• Experience: Join Yakov Khomich for masterclasses in painting and sketching. Explore expressive techniques to capture the play of light, emotion, and movement within Finolhu’s stunning natural surroundings, suitable for all skill levels.

• Follow: @yakov_khomich

December: Araceli Adams – Porcelain & Marine Life

• Dates: December 20 – January 3

• Origin: International (Spanish-Australian)

• Experience: Close the year with a festive, hands-on porcelain painting workshop. Guests paint pre-sketched platters featuring Baa Atoll’s marine life, creating a beautiful, educational keepsake that celebrates the local ecosystem.

• Follow: @araceli_adams

The Creative Heart: Finolhu’s Art Lab

At the core of this initiative is the resort’s stunning Art Lab, a barnacle-inspired creative sanctuary designed by KölorGroup Singapore and Muza Lab London. Since its 2024 debut, it has become a hub for creativity in the Maldives. This architectural marvel will host the residencies, exhibitions, and sustainability-focused workshops using natural and recycled materials.

A Design-Forward Philosophy

“As the Maldives’ first Design Hotels member, Finolhu has always championed creativity as a cornerstone of our identity,” says Steven Phillips, General Manager of Finolhu. “The Art & Design Year is a natural extension of that philosophy—celebrating design as a living, evolving conversation between our guests, our environment, and the global creative community.”

This program is a pillar of Finolhu’s evolving Kaleidoscope of Life concept, which celebrates colour, connection, and creativity. It underscores the resort’s identity as a destination where architecture, art, and nature exist in joyful harmony.

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Plan Your Creative Escape
Immerse yourself in the "A Year in Colour" artist residencies at Finolhu Maldives. This is more than a vacation—it’s an invitation to participate in a global cultural moment, to create, and to be inspired. Book your 2026 creative journey and secure your spot in these exclusive artist-led workshops. Experience barefoot luxury redefined through the vibrant lens of art and design.

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