The River Lights project is a new platform to jumpstart the contemporary arts and culture scene in Melaka after nearly a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, said Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB) mayor Datuk Zainal Abu.
To date, the project has gathered more than 30 artists from various creative fields such as sculpture, weaving, light and stage performances.
"Many thought that this was just a light installation along the banks of the Melaka River, but it is not. We are presenting contemporary light art in the form of sculptures,” said Zainal Abu at the recent opening ceremony of the Earth Hour programme and the River Lights Project.
He added the MBSB was confident that the project would inspire creative artists in the state to return to work, producing more unique designs and performances for visitors.
The River Lights project at the SDG Park in Jalan Melaka Sentral includes a multimedia piece "Hope", inspired by the Melaka River, and a new interactive art installation designed by contemporary artist Suzy Sulaiman.
As an Instagram highlight, the Hope light sculpture, which is based on water as a source of life and communication, is installed on the banks of the Melaka River Phase II.
Zainal Abu said apart from the River Lights project, the SDG Park will also serve as a venue for buskers to perform. The plans are to liven up the area and to attract tourists to the location, especially on weekends.
"There are more programmes in the line-up, including additional sculptures, in collaboration with creative agencies such as the Cultural Economy Development Agency (Cendana, the pioneer of the Art in The City programme), the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia and Think City.
"This area will provide a new space for members of the public and foreign tourists to wind down, especially ahead of the endemic phase,” he said. - Bernama
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