VICTORIA, Seychelles — As the Seychelles Arts Awards 2025 draws near, anticipation is high, not just for the winners, but for what the event symbolises: the celebration of the country’s rich and evolving creative landscape. Behind the glamour of the awards night, however, lies a rigorous judging process led by a dedicated panel of experts.
Gabriel Essack, chairman of the Jury Panel for the Arts Awards 2025, said: ‘The jury looked at multiple elements, such as the artist’s impact over the past ten years, their contribution to their art form, community engagement, and overall body of work. Some nominees participated in multiple categories, which made the process even more complex. We also had to distinguish between self-nominated candidates and those nominated by others, though ultimately, all were judged based on the merit of their work and achievements.’
Essack said: ‘The judging was tough — every artist deserved recognition. As a jury, we were not just looking at portfolios; we were looking at stories of lives dedicated to creativity and community. Many had impressive resumes, and the difference between them often came down to very small details. That is what made this year’s decisions some of the toughest to make.’ The awards are expected to be held later this year.
