Arts and Creative Education
Our most established area of work: practical drawing and painting courses for beginners and developing artists, covering sketching, portrait drawing, realistic painting, colour techniques and mural painting.
Registered nonprofit · Mogadishu, Somalia · Est. 2024
Through Art, We Empower People, Preserve Culture, and Build Stronger Communities.
Maslah Art Studio (MAS) uses art, education and creativity to empower young people, preserve Somali cultural heritage, promote peace and raise awareness about social issues affecting our communities.
12Nov 2026
Upcoming
See all projects
The 1st Somali Creative Exhibition 2026
At The House of Talent, Mogadishu. MAS is co-organising with The House of Talent, SOYAL and SOMGEN, bringing together visual arts and Somali cultural expression.
Who we are
More than a traditional art studio.
MAS began in 2024 by giving young people in Mogadishu the chance to learn art and develop real skills.
We are developing art as a practical tool for education, social inclusion, cultural preservation and community development, working through classes, murals, exhibitions, competitions and community workshops.
Our impact so far
300+students have received practical art training at MAS since we began in 2024.
What our work includes
- Regular art classes
- Mural paintings
- Art exhibitions
- Student competitions
- Community workshops
- Mentorship
- Certificate ceremonies
We are consolidating our records and will add exact figures for murals, workshops, competitions and certificates.
Founder recognition
16+years of artistic experience behind our founder, Maslah Abdi Dahir
2025Best Artist of the Year, SOMTEX Industry Awards
2025Certificate of Honor, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism
What we do
Active Developing Developing Planned expansion Planned expansion
Seven focus areas, from the studio to the community.
Some are well established, others are being developed with partners. Each one is marked with where it stands today.
Youth Empowerment and Creative Livelihoods
We help young people develop artistic skills that support their personal development and future economic opportunities, through instruction, mentoring, competitions and practical assignments.
Somali Cultural Heritage Preservation
Somali history, cultural identity, everyday life and traditions are important subjects in our work.
Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion
Visual art can help people discuss difficult experiences, encourage mutual understanding and communicate messages of peace.
Community Awareness and Human Rights
MAS aims to use visual communication to raise public awareness of human dignity, equality, social justice, education, civic responsibility and the prevention of violence.
Protection of Women, Girls and Children
An important part of our institutional mission.
Environmental Awareness and Climate Action
We want to use art to encourage environmental responsibility: environmental murals, creative education campaigns, waste-management awareness and community projects for clean, sustainable surroundings.
See all our work
Our Work
Programmes
How young people take part.
Art education
Practical courses in sketching, portrait drawing, realistic painting and colour, with mentorship along the way.
Learn moreMurals and community art
Mural paintings and public-facing artworks at sites across Mogadishu.
See the muralsExhibitions and certificates
Student exhibitions, competitions and certificate ceremonies that recognise each learner's progress.
Projects & eventsToday, my ambition is to help build a generation of Somali artists who can use their creativity not only to build careers, but also to contribute positively to society.
MAS in the Media
Seen on international and Somali media.
Our founder's work has been covered by five international media outlets, alongside Somali broadcaster Universal TV.
BBCTRT AfrikaDeutsche WelleReutersCGTN AfricaUniversal TV
Our partners
We work alongside Mogadishu's creative community.
Current collaborators include The House of Talent, SOYAL Organization and SOMGEN. We welcome new partners in education, culture and community development.
The House of TalentSOYAL OrganizationSOMGEN
