Arte Moris

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Arte Moris (meaning "Living Art" in Tetun) is the first fine arts school, cultural center and artists’ association in East Timor. It is based in the capital, Dili.

Founded following the violent Indonesian occupation, "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."

Arte Moris provides art classes to local Timorese, sponsors advanced students, and manages the sale of artwork, both at their on-site gallery and at two up-scale hotels in Dili. Arte Moris also collaborates with the professional drama troupe Bibi Bulak ("Crazy Goat").

The art center is housed on the former premises of the National Museum in Comoro, East Timor.

The artwork produced at the school is wide-ranging, but is often surrealist in style, and exhibits cultural aspects from the varied regions of the country.