KUCHING: Artists from Brunei and Sarawak gathered for a cultural exchange, focussing on building stronger ties through visual art, poetry and creative workshops as part of the ‘Neighbours in Heart, Friendship in Art’ initiative, which concluded at the Borneo Cultures Museum, Sarawak on Thursday (June 29).
Bruneian artist Wahab Hassan engaged 20 participants in a hands-on exploration of visual techniques through his painting workshop. The participants learned the concept of development, colour strategies and the use of palette knives for texture and fine detail, offering a valuable space for skills-sharing and artistic mentorship.
Meanwhile, Bruneian poets Malek Metarsat and Adi Zain, and Sarawak’s Angelina Bong, brought the emotional textures of Borneo’s stories to life through a poetry session, reinforcing how language, like visual art, can transcend borders and deepen cultural empathy.
The programme saw a public art talk, ‘Lines of Growth: An Artist’s Evolution’, where panellists from both Brunei and Sarawak explored the personal and collective journeys of artistic practice. The talk featured Sebastian Jong, Angelina Bong, and Fook Liew from Sarawak, alongside Datuk Haini Hashim, Awang Sitai and Nicky Lapira, moderated by Osveanne Osman from Brunei.
Sarawak’s Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, and Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who officiated the programme launch, described the exchange as “a cultural bridge that allows us to know our neighbours better”, reflecting on Brunei’s strong monthly visitor numbers and the potential for extending ties to Kalimantan Barat.
The minister also emphasised the growing importance of integrating art and culture into tourism strategies, naming ongoing efforts such as the Borneo Games and artist-led initiatives as instrumental in shaping regional narratives.
President of the Sarawak Artists Society Sebastian Jong noted that the event has been an enriching platform that fosters mutual appreciation and opens doors for deeper artistic exchange. Vice President of Brunei Art Forum Osman Muhammad shared similar sentiments, noting that the cultural exchange exceeded expectations, not only in turnout but in the substance of dialogue and the relationships formed between artistic communities.
Bruneian artist Datuk Haini Hashim reflected on the broader meaning of the event. “This was not just an exhibition – it was a reminder of how art connects people. It’s through exchanges like this that we keep our traditions alive, adapt them and pass them on with renewed purpose,” he said.
Sarawak-based artist Angelina Bong, on the other hand, added that to come together over shared passions, stories and visions has been truly powerful and she left feeling inspired and more connected.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Sarawak Datuk Sebastian Ting and Consul General of Brunei in Sarawak Sheikh Datuk Mahadanni were also present. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
