EXHIBITION: 'RAGI: VISUAL RHYTHMS OF MALAY TENUN'
Venue: Harta Space, Ampang, Selangor
Date: ends April 30
For those interested in traditional Malay textiles and the narratives woven into them, this exhibition offers an accessible entry point. Drawn from the collection of arts and culture researcher Khairulanwar Rahmat, it presents cloth not merely as material, but as a vessel of history.
The exhibition traces a progression of texture, technique and tradition, culminating in its centrepiece – the songket, often regarded as the “queen” of Malay textiles. Woven with gold and silver threads, these works transform geometric ragi patterns into motifs inspired by the natural world.
Across the gallery, visitors will encounter designs shaped by close observation of nature, with recurring forms such as leaves and vines. Spanning the late 19th to mid-20th centuries, the collection illustrates how "tenun beragi" (chequered weaving) evolved from everyday attire into textiles associated with courtly refinement.
The journey, with informative exhibition notes, begins with foundational chequered cloths in cotton and silk. Modest in appearance, they nonetheless reveal a sophisticated command of colour, proportion, line and texture. From this base, the narrative unfolds into increasingly intricate expressions of the weaver’s craft.
Admission is free.
More info here.
BOOK EVENT: 'KOTA BACA 2026'
Venue: Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur
Date: ends April 26
National literacy event Kota Baca returns to Dataran Merdeka from April 24-26. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Education and implemented by Perbadanan Kota Buku, the initiative aims to strengthen the reading culture among Malaysians.
As the main venue, Dataran Merdeka will host programmes spanning literacy, community, culture and the book industry.
Open to the public from 7am to 10pm daily, Kota Baca 2026 brings together a range of activities, such as the largest book exchange in South-East Asia, author meet-and-greets, talks and sharing sessions, as well as pop-up retail and exhibitions.
Highlights include theatre performance Empowering Reading Culture by Sekolah Seni Malaysia on April 25, PENA Poetry Night “Gemuruh Puisi” on April 26, an "explorace-style" competition "BukaBuku" by Keretapi Sarong on April 25, the Pidato Negarawan on April 25, and the 5km Book Character Run at 7am on April 26.
More info here.
BOOK EVENT: 'FROM FOLKLORE TO ALPHABET'
Venue: Duke Museum of Picture Book Art, GMBB, KL
Date: ends April 30
The Duke Museum of Picture Book Art at GMBB creative mall in KL is running a special event titled From Folklore To Alphabet (Dari Dongeng Ke Abjad) this month, celebrating the importance of Malaysian children's literature in shaping national identity and fostering empathy among the younger generation.
At the recent opening ceremony, two titles were officially launched: a reproduction of the 1901 classic Fables and Folk-Tales From An Eastern Forest by late 19th century British ethnographer Walter Skeat, and Bunga Biru Istimewa by award-winning author and illustrator Basari Mat Yasit.
The event also serves as a platform to showcase a wide array of existing and new titles, such as the Alphabet Malaysia series and the reprinting of five beloved books by the late Yusof Gajah, including Roads, Elephant Teapot and Let's Build A House.
The recently published title, A Fun Day Out In Kuala Lumpur, a debut book by young illustrator Fathanah Khalid, which depicts three friends enjoying the iconic sights of the city, is also a notable highlight.
More info here.
CELEBRATE ARTS@TAMAN TUGU
Venue: Taman Tugu Nursery, Kuala Lumpur
Date: April 25
There is no shortage of weekend arts plans in KL, but some start sooner than others. Kick off your Saturday with an early start at this all-ages community series at Taman Tugu Nursery, where the arts and the outdoors come together from 8am to 1pm.
Set against a lush green backdrop, the “art at the park” activities invite visitors to explore a diverse mix of hands-on experiences - from nature-inspired art and Peranakan tile drawing to crafting floral bookmarks.
Families can wander freely between activity stations, taking their time to soak in the relaxed, open-air setting, with food trucks and coffee pop-ups on hand to fuel the day.
Alongside a line-up of arts and craft booths, the lively sounds of handpan performances also look to set the tone, as the masses sway to the rhythms.
Admission is free, but do come prepared for the outdoors with comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes and mosquito repellent.
More info here.
BOOK EVENT: MALAYSIAN BOOK CRAWL
Venues: various participating bookshops in the Klang Valley
Date: ends April 26
If you need an excuse to go bookstore-hopping, try the Malaysia Book Crawl, a literary treasure hunt across the Klang Valley running until April 26.
All you need to do is visit one of the participating indie bookstores, get your "Book Crawl Passport" and collect stamps from each bookstore. Need a soundtrack for your explorations?
Local favourites among book lovers, such as Gerakbudaya in Petaling Jaya and BooKu in GMBB, KL, as well as hidden gems like Pages with Purpose (located inside POS Malaysia headquarters) and the new Alcove Works at TTDI Market are on the list, so this is your sign to drop by and browse their collections.
Organised by Books For A Better World, the book crawl culminates in a grand finale at the World Book Weekend from April 24-26 at Avenue K, Kuala Lumpur.
More info here.
POETRY: JALAN DALAM’S POETRY SLAMPIONSHIP
Venue: Bartolo Lisboa Bakehouse, Central Market, KL
Date: April 26, 5.30pm
Curious about poetry slam competitions? This is an opportunity to experience one firsthand, as performing arts collective Jalan Dalam launches Chapter 1 of the third season of its monthly series 'Slampionship'.
The programme is designed to foster healthy competition among emerging creatives seeking to refine their craft.
Six poets will compete in a one-on-one knockout format, with winners decided through audience applause and voting.
First-round victors advance to a final round to determine the “slampion”, who will receive cash prizes and a place in a year-end all-star tournament with larger stakes.
Five additional chapters remain this season for those interested in competing. For audiences, the event offers an intimate setting where attention and response directly shape the outcome. Admission is free.
More info here.
