KOTA KINABALU: Artistes are hoping to turn the Tanjung Aru beach here into a haven for street art during the weekends.
Kolej Yayasan Sabah handicrafts course adviser Khalid Shamsuddin Arshah said Sabah folk’s culture and arts would add vibrancy to the beach.
“People, including tourists, will be attracted to visit the beach, while locals can bring their children to appreciate the arts.
“At the same time, local artistes will have a platform to showcase and sell their artworks,” he said during the college’s inaugural exhibition named “Aramai Ti” Fest here.
The two-day programme, which began on Saturday, was held in collaboration with a bar at the beach. It aimed to educate college students in entrepreneurship.
Khalid said besides being good in producing masterpieces, students should be able to communicate with customers to eke out a living.
“Arts appreciation and the purchasing power of the people of Sabah is greater nowadays.
“Artistes can make up to RM12,000 per month once they are established.”
Bar operator William Cheng, 33, said he suggested to the college to have the exhibition so that they could propose it to the authorities to hold it on a weekly basis.
“I was amazed by the wonderful artworks by the students when I visited the college.
“Their artworks should not be kept inside a building. If the plan materialises, the beach will become an ideal place for families to visit on weekends.”