The best of Sabah’s creative talent will be under one roof at the State’s first art and craft festival, writes Kerry-Ann Augustin
ARTISTIC talent is synonymous with Sabahans and Sarawakians.
From filmmakers to performers, graphic artists to craftsmen, art seems a natural part of life for those who grew up in picturesque Borneo.
“Kota Kinabalu has its own art scene,” says SuChung Chong, director of the Centre for Arts and Design (CAD) in Sabah’s capital city.
“We have many creative minds here who start their own projects.
Unfortunately, this talent is not always ‘visible’ to the public.
That’s why we are organising this festival.” The first of its kind in Sabah, the festival SuChung is referring to is The Art Factory which will see artisans, craftsmen and women, writers, painters, poets and filmmakers gather under one roof.
He hopes t he fest iva l will bridge the artists to the public.
“We figured this would be a great platform for the creative minds to show the public what they can do.”
ART FOR ALL
The festival is a brainchild of CAD, a newly opened ga ller y that houses home-grown works of art in a former warehouse.
Its industrial interiors reflect the raw talent that ornaments its walls.
“We wanted a space where art could be viewed in non-intimidating and relaxing setting in the hopes of encouraging more artists to come forward,” says SuChung, adding that the more consistent exhibitions are, the more critique they invite.
“That way an artist gains more insight into his or her creativity and technicality.” Making art more accessible and inclusive forms the foundation of the festival.
“We want creative minds to gather and exchange ideas and let the public join the fun in discovering art and perhaps lea rn somet hing new,” says CAD gallery coordinator Lee Kah Yee who is part of the small yet passionate team behind The Art Factory.
TIME TO SHINE
The two-day festival will see different forms of art: Literar y talks, sharing sessions by artist Yee Ting and Sabah’s leading graphic designer Teo Zye Keun, design and craft workshops by both Sabahan and Kuala Lumpur- based artists, theatre performances by PITaPAT as well as screening of films from local filmmakers Vilashini Somiah and Chris Chong Chan Fui whose work has premiered at international festivals including Cannes Directors’ Fortnight.
“In genera l, ma ny issues from East Malaysia are not well documented or reported,” says SuChung “However in recent times, we have had Sabahan artists like Awang Damit Ahmad and Yee I-Lann among the few who have had their achievements featured in Malaysian and international news,” adds SuChung , who hopes that The Art Factory will be able to shine the spotlight on the creative gem shidden in lesser known art scene of Sabah.
BABY STEPS The art community in Sabah and Sarawak, according to SuChung, is a growing one.
“The public is slowly heading in a direction where they are keen to know more about art and to try their hand at producing artwork,” he says.
Jesse Jeremy Joy, one of CAD gallery coordinators, says: “It is still a small number perhaps but in the long run, the art scene will grow and the public will be part of it.” SuChung, Lee and Jesse admit that organising an event like this with a small team can be intimidating and challenging at times.
However, the trio believe in the bigger picture: “We all come to The Art Factory as strangers, but when we leave, we will leave as a stronger, art loving community,” they say.
And Vincent Van Gogh once said great things are done by a series of small things brought together.
Looks like CAD is taking the Dutchman’s word for it.
THE ART FACTORY:
BORNEO’S FIRST ARTS AND CRAFT FESTIVAL.
Date: Dec 13-14
Time: 10am to 6pm
Venue: Centre for Arts &Design (CAD), 1-3 Block 6 MDR, Jalan Pelabuhan, Tanjung Lipat, Kota Kinabalu