Penang's 'Hin On The Move' arts bandwagon set to visit KL this weekend

Penang-based artists in the spotlight at this year's 'Kecik-Kecik Group Show' at the Hin Bus Depot in March. The 'Hin On The Move' tour is set to introduce some of these artists to a new audience in the next six months. Photo: The Star/Jeremy Tan

What can you do at the touring Hin Market at the Zhongshan building, Jalan Kampung Attap in Kuala Lumpur this weekend? Browse the creative wares on sale, talk to a designer, meet a traditional craft artisan, or check out an AR show.

The popular Hin Market, a familiar sight on the weekends at George Town’s Hin Bus Depot, serves as a community arts platform in Penang and also a gathering place of creators and makers nationwide.

Hin Market is now aiming to spread its wings with the (free admission) "Hin On The Move" touring project.

The first stop will be at the Zhongshan building on May 27 and 28, before its return to Penang for the Fete event (June 16) and the George Town festival (July 29 and 30), and then travelling off to Muar in Johor (Aug 26 and 27), Melaka (Sept 16 and 17) and Chiang Mai (Oct 28 and 29) in Thailand.

Hin On The Move, a six-month touring market project, makes its first stop at the Zhongshan building in Kuala Lumpur before heading to Muar (Johor), Melaka and Thailand. Photo: Handout

There is a core group of arts vendors that is part of this six-month touring market, but in each location, there will be other vendors from the local arts community that will join the event.

Queen Lee, Hin Market programme manager, says that Hin On The Move's objective is to provide an opportunity for Hin vendors to broaden their horizons by visiting different cities and learning from various creators.

“Hin On The Move encourages vendors to step outside their comfort zones and establish connections with creators from different cities. This journey allows them to gain new perspectives and forge collaborations with other creative individuals and businesses,” says Lee.

Hin On The Move aims to develop a nationwide following, with Penang-based arts vendors and others connecting with other arts communities in Malaysia. Photo: Hin Market

Hin On The Move at the Zhongshan (noon to 8pm) will a focus on "design and illustration", with over 75 vendors, including illustrator/sculptor Alexoid Luce, specialist Bundusan Books, Basheer Graphics Books, illustrator Marni Zainodin, flower jewellery art outfit Allithing, clothing brand The WES Studio, Ms Papericious, retro photography outfit Slashshop, Posment Apparel, and Sabah-based indigenous brass accessories maker Vuhanut By Jason Labunda.

There will also be food and beverages from different countries – Malaysian, Vietnamese and Korean.

If you want your Vietnamese egg coffee fix, Nui Kopi will be whipping up this dreamy concoction at the market.

On the art front, there will be an AR programme, featuring George Town-based artists such as Aboud Fares, Bibichun, Ivan Gabriel, Parasite Generation, Esther Geh, Kangblabla, IMMJN and others.

Hin Market also offers a series of workshops, including rattan-weaving sessions as part of its weekend programme. Photo: Hin Market

In the coming months, each touring market will have its own curatorial theme focus, based on the location and community. In Muar, the travelling Hin Market will adopt a green concept with a "back to nature" programme.

“Muar is a small town with a strong sense of community. The majority of its residents are middle-aged or retired, and their lifestyle differs from other locations. To cater to their needs, this (upcoming market) will provide a space for them to unwind, enjoy and engage in meaningful activities,” says Lee.

In Melaka, the market will embrace a lively and youthful spirit, with the vibrant Bangunan MLK, now a downtown hipster and skate hub, serving as the focal point for this emerging arts scene.

Next year, the Hin Bus Depot will mark its 10th anniversary in George Town.