Amid the familiar buzz and excitement of a festival returning to KLPac, audiences can enjoy YSDAF 2026 Satellite this Sunday (April 5) - a one-day, scaled-down edition of the Yayasan Sime Darby Arts Festival (YSDAF).
This free admission event features two main draws: a multi-sensory performance called Synesthetic Symphony Of Sound & Sight and a creative area known as “Handyzone.”
Each carries a different vibe - whether you prefer to sit back and enjoy a live performance or engage directly in hands-on art-making.
A standout of last year’s festival was a memorable collaboration: visual artists with visual impairments painting live to music, a concept exploring the interplay of art, touch and sound that earned the YSDAF 2025 Pitch Start grant. This Sunday, the idea returns in a new form with Synesthetic Symphony Of Sound & Sight at Pentas 2, KLPac, with performances at 11am and 2pm.
“This inclusive arts initiative, which is a collaboration between Malaysian Association for the Blind, UPSI and Persatuan Hearts Symphony, explores synesthesia in the visually impaired and the connection between art, tactile and sound sensations,” read a YSDAF statement.
The 30-minute experiential journey features seven newly trained artists alongside two alumni artists. They will be accompanied by an ensemble of musicians and singers, including children from marginalised communities. The group will perform Colours Of My Heart by Wong Siew Ngan under the baton of conductor Frederick Chaw, as well as two songs in the Jahai language (indigenous people from Perak) titled The Monkey and The Tiger.
“Synaesthesia is a phenomenon where a person experiences more than one unrelated sense at the same time such as tasting words or coloured hearing. For example, one may hear sounds, music or voices that could evoke colours or shapes. The performance will focus on blindness as a means of enhanced sensory perception. It explores how the absence of sight can lead to unique artistic expressions. The combination of blind art and music evokes a powerful emotional interpretation response," outlined the event notes.
A highlight of the project is a tactile paint co-designed with the artists themselves. Building on the pilot’s success, the team aims to help people with visual impairments experience painting.
To further this goal, the "Arti.Sense Tactile Paint Kits" will be officially launched during the event, with plans to distribute them to special schools.
Those interested in the creative process can stay after the second show for a forum and Q&A session, where facilitators will share insights and respond to audience questions.
Beyond the main performance, the Handyzone will be open from 11 am to 4pm., featuring eight booths of hands-on activities.
For those attending, the experience is flexible, as you can wander up close to the stage to see how each artist’s work takes shape. If you’re feeling inspired, you can also bring your own art materials and create your own piece on the side.
The last major YSDAF at KLPac was held in August 2023, with the festival touring to other venues last year.
Pre-registration is required for the “Synesthetic Symphony Of Sound & Sight” live series and the workshops. More info here.
