YearStarter 2023: Arts – A year of vibrant delights in the Malaysian arts scene

A visitor marvels at Tetriana Ahmad Fauzi's mixed media installation 'Evil Begone, Keep And Tend To Yours Truly' at the 'Ilham Art Show' at Ilham Gallery in KL. - LOW LAY PHON/The Star

As the world tentatively emerged from the pandemic, the arts and culture scene in the Klang Valley also found its rhythm this year with a number of bold, engaging and forward-thinking public events.

From an independent river heritage festival to traditional culture showcases in the heart of the capital to a video art exhibition and a traditional puppet theatre show, there was a wider range of voices and highlights – some beyond the mainstream – to point to a more inclusive arts scene, where identity, freedom and that tricky topic of nation-building can co-exist and thrive.