IN the heart of the country's capital, a celebration of the local artistic soul is taking centre stage as Maybank Foundation unveils the Cultural Art Showcase and Bazaar (CASB).
Held at Balai Seni Maybank, this vibrant new initiative is a tribute to Malaysia's rich cultural heritage, bringing together a myriad of traditional crafts, hands-on workshops and captivating performances.
The CASB, which ends on Sept 30, offers an immersive experience into the country's artistic and cultural fabric. Visitors are invited to explore the talents of 11 artisans and nine dynamic cultural groups, creating a tapestry of creativity and tradition.
Featured are local artisans such as Tanoti, Nor Asmah Daud, Chandra Shegar, Rumah Gambus, Han The Craftsman, Gallery Gerimis, myBatik, ManekNya, We&I Art, Winnie Kam and Sunprint Studio.
The cultural practitioners include the award-winning Lee Rubber Chinese Orchestra, Gangsapura, Temple of Fine Arts, Akademi Arjunasukma, Alena Murang, Mathew Ngau Jau, Dondang Dongeng, Pertubuhan Silat Seni Gayong Malaysia (Perak) and Fusion Wayang Kulit.
Visitors will get the opportunity to experience a number of unique programmes such as:
ARTISAN SHOWCASES: Explore an impressive array of traditional crafts, including Peranakan beadwork, batik and songket creation, wau (kite)-crafting, sari and accessory designs, as well as Chinese calligraphy and musical instrument demonstrations, like the Gambus and traditional Chinese orchestra set.
The showcases not only exhibit the intricate beauty of Malaysian craftsmanship, but also emphasises the cultural significance embedded in each art form.
INTERACTIVE WORKSHOPS: Participate in hands-on sessions led by experienced artisans, offering workshops such as wau-making, calligraphy, paper-cutting art, songket weaving, batik painting, sari wearing tips, mini recycled woodwork, and recycled craft hand paintings.
These sessions provide an opportunity for the public to create personalised pieces while gaining a deeper appreciation for Malaysia's cultural heritage.
LIVE PERFORMANCES: Enjoy a selection of live performances that highlight Malaysia's diverse cultural expressions. The programme includes performances by dancers from The Temple of Fine Arts, Alena Murang, a Malaysian singer-songwriter, a fusion wayang kulit presentation by Tok Dalang Pyu and Gangsapura Silat Bunga Tanjung — each representing a facet of Malaysia's artistic legacy.
LOCAL DELICACIES: A variety of local favourites and traditional foods will be available for visitors to savour, such as laksa Johor, laksa Sarawak, traditional Malaysian desserts, kolo mee and asam pedas — allowing guests to experience authentic Malaysian flavours.
PRESERVING OUR PAST
The event is a key component of Maybank Foundation's Balai Seni Art Series Programme (BSAS), designed to celebrate and invigorate the country's art scene. This initiative provides a premier platform for artisans and cultural practitioners to showcase their talents and share the stories behind their crafts.
Maybank group corporate affairs head and chief executive officer of Maybank Foundation, Izlyn Ramli, shares: "This initiative holds great significance for us at Maybank Foundation. The CASB is not just about preserving our past but about inspiring our future. We hope this showcase will encourage more people to engage with and appreciate our rich cultural heritage."
Continuing, she emphatically underscores the importance of this initiative, reflecting on the foundation's ongoing commitment to the arts.
"As a leading advocate for arts and culture within the community, we have consistently strived to empower local and Asean artisans through the Maybank Foundation Balai Seni Art Series Programme. Since 1988, this programme has benefited more than 811 artists, showcasing their work in more than 35 exhibitions."
As the vibrant colours of batik, the intricate patterns of songket and the harmonious melodies of traditional performances weave through Balai Seni Maybank, they remind us that our cultural heritage isn't just a memory, but a living, breathing masterpiece — one that continues to evolve and inspire for generations to come.
CULTURAL ART SHOWCASE AND BAZAAR
ORGANISER: Maybank Foundation
WHERE: Balai Seni Maybank, Maybank Tower, Jalan Tun Perak, Bukit Bintang, 50050 Kuala Lumpur
WHEN: Until Sept 30
OPENING HOURS: 9.30am to 5.30pm on weekdays, and from 10am to 6pm on Saturdays. Closed on Sundays and public holidays
ADMISSION: Free