KUALA LUMPUR – Arts and Culture enthusiasts can finally revel in the country’s rich orange economy with the launch of ‘Art in the City’ (AITC). The event will feature curated engagements for public participation from October 14 to December 28.
In conjunction with the International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development, Communications and Multimedia (KKMM) minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa officiated the launch event at KLPac, yesterday, promising diverse artistic, creativity, compassion, and imagination of Malaysians.
“AITC is dedicated to art and performance, with more than 100 dynamic, colourful and optimistic programmes presented this year,” said Cendana founding chief executive officer Izan Satrina Mohd Sallehuddin.
“The effort’s first iteration in 2018 has since then spanned to include an array of music, dance, craft, theatre, film dance, food, heritage, history, and more spread across three full months from October to December this year.
“Cendana is committed to demonstrating the impact of the arts, capturing its strength, overcoming challenges, and nurturing the soul of the nation for the future. We hope these aspirations are reflected in the 12th National Malaysian Plan and Budget 2022,” she said.
“I look at this initiative as a continuous effort to ensure that the arts and culture industry remains strong, for it to be rightfully recognised and upheld given the events of the pandemic,” said the KKMM minister.
“The goal does not only rely on the arts to be included in national economic plans alone.
“Industry players must also take equal part in the awareness, understanding and commitment building to fortify the ecosystem. This is so that the progress of the creative industry can play a big role in the development of the country,” said Annuar.
“The recovery and rebuilding of arts and culture among the people of the nation will help heal the soul of the nation, our keluarga Malaysia.
“Therefore, KKMM invites the arts communities to work with the Ministry via our Creative Taskforce to create a systematic structure so that the country's creative industry can grow,” he added.
The AITC 2021 will kick off with the KUL.CEF Forum on October 14. It will feature renowned local and international experts to share views on the best practices of the arts and culture scene.
Other activities include an online weekend ‘Open Art’ classes, a variety of traditional showcases presented through Panggung Rakyat (from Kompang Jidor and Zapin Melayu to Kuchipudi, Sounds of Sabah, Mah Meri, and Menora).
There are curated light installations and performances, art exhibitions, the rollout of Studio C (a high-quality selection of local crafts committed to focusing on social responsibility and sustainability. There will also be a symposium bringing together cultural practitioners and experts to critically appraise the development of culture in Malaysia.
Part of Art In the City also includes the KLWKND Festival, which provides a strong narrative of Kuala Lumpur through its multifaceted dimensions in history, arts, design, culture, and heritage.
The curatorial direction for KLWKND’s programmes will encompass several key highlight clusters at The Godown KL; Panggung Bandaraya DBKL; Pasar Seni; and RexKL.
Each location is paired with its own ‘festival village’, all within walking distance of downtown Kuala Lumpur.
This specific event, which takes over Kuala Lumpur from November 25 to 28, is curated by renowned festival director Joe Sidek.
MyCreative Ventures chairman Noor Azmi Mat Said shared: “Art and culture is a nation’s most precious heritage. And it is through these that we reveal to ourselves and others the inner vision that guides who we are.
“When there is no vision, our values perish and the Nation slowly withers and dissipates. Our culture, tradition, and language are the very foundation of our identity,” he added. – The Vibes, October 1, 2021
*Watch the AITC 2021 launch event to follow keynotes and speeches in the video below
