Arte Moris

November 2014

Established in Timor-leste’s capital Dili in February 2003, ARTE MORIS has become the first Fine Arts School, Cultural Center and Artists’ Association in the one of the world’s youngest democracy.

ARTE MORIS was born in the aftermath of 25 years of Indonesian military occupation and the extremely violent events following the August 1999 referendum leading to the country’s independence restoration on May 20th 200

2. Its primary aim was to use art as a building block in the psychological and social reconstruction of a country devastated by violence, with special emphasis on helping its young citizens. The Honorary Patron of ARTE MORIS is Dr. José Ramos Horta, winner of the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize and currently Timor-leste’s president.

This project was the idea of Swiss artist Luca Gansser and cultural coordinator Gabriela Gansser, who turned it into reality with the help of a group of talented young people, the first fine arts students at the school.

Today, these original students have become a class of about 30 juniors, seniors and resident artists who live and work at the school, sharing the responsibilities of its day-to-day management whilst passing on their skills to the next generation of junior students.

Visit Arte Moris - Timor Leste