Kuantan is set to host its first-ever independent arts festival next weekend, transforming the city's historic Jalan Besar precinct into a hub of music, theatre, film, visual arts and community-driven cultural experiences.
The inaugural Kuantan Arts Festival (KuArts), a three-day event taking place from June 12 -14, will span multiple venues along Jalan Besar, including Hock Bee building, Belatuk Social, Studio Belatuk, Blok56, Lorong Seni and Khatam.
The artist-driven festival is spearheaded by Soraya Taib, Nazeera Taib and Irena Taib – collectively known as The Impatient Sisters, the indie-pop trio behind the initiative. Returning to their roots in Kuantan, the KL-based sisters hope to spark a lasting cultural revival through a festival (mostly free admission events) shaped by community, creativity and place.
KuArts is a fully self-funded undertaking, supported by private patrons and realised through the collective efforts of its organising team, including art exhibition director Low Pey Sien, site-artist manager Siti Zarith Sofia Syed Ramli and official bazaar collaborator Pasar Sera.
"It all started when we came back home to Kuantan after spending time away. The more we explored, the more we realised how special this area actually is. So many of the buildings here date back to the 1940s, and they carry so much character and history. What really inspired us were the spaces themselves; the old shoplots, the hidden courtyards, the large open interiors – spaces that felt perfect for performances, exhibitions, gatherings, and creative collaborations," said the sisters in a joint statement.
"We wanted to create something that would encourage people to slow down, walk through the streets, discover these hidden spaces, and experience Kuantan in a completely different way."
Artist-run festivals like KuArts underscore a shift toward practitioner-led cultural platforms in Malaysia, where artists shape not only the programme but also the conditions for creative exchange.
Among the festival highlights is Soft Soft Sands, a visual art exhibition that will remain on display at Hock Bee building, Belatuk Social and Barn House through July 12.
The line-up, with a regional focus and cross-disciplinary practices, features artists including Atittayaporn Saenpo (Thailand), Kairul Abas, Kaiyi Wong (unrealitykai), Khabir Roslan, Kong Siden (Cambodia), Kullest Fata, Evelyn Wong (Jujurwork), Lim Sow Seng, Mahen Bala, Manaporn Robroo (Thailand), Moljira Sajaroen (Thailand), Nana Safiana, Nur Khairi Hamidi, Monalimi, Tan Chui Mui, Ugrid Jomyim (Thailand), Umairah, Di Situ (including Liew Kwai Fei), among others.
The theatre programme features Le Jieu: La Julia and Secotak Cerita, alongside a monologue showcase comprising I'm OKay, yoU? (by Namme Medai, which recently drew acclaim at the KL Festival), as well as Monolog Balada Sumarah, Aku Bukan Parewa and Melar Bersemi. Several performances have already sold out, reflecting strong demand and attracting arts enthusiasts from beyond Kuantan.
Music lovers can look forward to performances by groups The Impatient Sisters, Revers & Echoes, Bruh, Yeast and indie folk duo Satwo at Stage MMEKOK! in the Hock Bee building. The festival will also host indie film screenings and discussions featuring Berkelana – Year Without Summer, All Who Leave Go There and Walinong Sari.
A digital afterglow also arrives in Kuantan as new media collective Filamen presents its outdoor installation Warung Terang, alongside an Immersio showcase at Kafe Blok56.
The Warung Terang pushcart series, which drew strong interest at the KL Festival, is a mobile installation suited to roadside settings, while the Filamen team will also offer onlookers insight into the projection mapping process.
Visitors can also participate in workshops and talks, including Beleber Session: Remaking Society With Arts and Culture, Seni Untuk Semua by ReformARTsi and more.
"We want to showcase local bands, independent artists, young designers, craft makers, theatre groups, visual artists, photographers, poets, and even small food vendors who represent the culture and identity of this region. We also hope it becomes a space where collaborations can happen naturally – where people can meet, exchange ideas, and build something together," added the sisters' festival statement.
As a pilot edition, the organisers view the 2026 festival as the foundation of a recurring cultural platform for Kuantan and the wider East Coast region.
"We want it to become something that the community looks forward to every year – a platform that not only celebrates creativity, but also helps preserve the spirit and character of Jalan Besar while giving more visibility to the incredible talents that exist here," they added.
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