Merdeka comes to early to the Kampung Attap area in KL with the Peszta arts event on Aug 27. The Star/Filepic
Peszta, a community-led arts, culture and music event presented by Merdeka 118 (the second-tallest building in the world) and the Kampung Attap community in Kuala Lumpur, look set to kickstart the Merdeka celebrations early on Aug 27.
Three main venues – the Zhongshan building, Pentago House and SAM Mansion in Kampung Attap – will host the Pestza day-long programme, which will run from 11am to 11pm.
At architecture firm Pentago House, a literary exhibition A Wasteland Of Malaysian Poetry In English is set to traces the landscape of English-language poetry in Malaysia from pre-Merdeka to present day.
Live music performances will be held at the outdoor parking space next to the Zhongshan building, with Dama Asia and the K2K Merdeka Idol Talent Competition, a community-based programme organised by Karyawan focusing on public housing communities.
At the upcoming Pestza event, Red Hong Yi will host an open studio featuring her 'Tanah' series (2021). Photo: Aaron Wong
In the evening, "Mantap Kampung Attap", an event put together by the people behind Tandang Records, will feature bands and artistes such as Francissca Peter, Seven Collar T-Shirt, The Impatient Sisters and Fugo.
Throughout the day, there will be marching band performances, a community market, food vendors, workshops and wayang kulit performances by Kakiseni, and a live street mural session by street artist Fritilldea.
Contemporary artist Red Hong Yi, who has relocated her studio to the ground floor of SAM Mansion, will hold an open studio for visitors to revisit her Tanah series from 2021.
The Zhongshan building's Annexe will also host an interactive exhibit on two major landmarks in Kuala Lumpur – the restored, historical site of Stadium Merdeka and the modern development of the Merdeka 118 tower.
The Zhongshan building with the Merdeka 118 tower pictured in the background. Photo: Handout
At the main Zhongshan building, visitors can catch Si Anu Bah, a showcase of new media works from Sabah – think documentaries, videos, short films, NFTs and more – curated by Kenneth Lo and Emily Chin of Third Rice Culture Media Productions, Ning of HUNTWO Studios and contemporary artist Yee I-Lann.
If this is your first time exploring Kampung Attap, don’t leave the event without learning more about the area in Malaysia Design Archive’s walking tour and workshop series. Prior registration is required.
Peszta is supported by PNB Merdeka Ventures (PMV), Kampung Attap Arts and Culture Collective (KAMAC), KL City Hall and Think City.
Admission to all events are free, with some workshops and tours requiring pre-registration due to limited space.
