Showcase of Malaysian arts, culture

Cultural Art Showcase and Bazaar is ongoing at Menara Maybank until Sept 30.

LILTING melodies strummed by sape master Mathew Ngau Jau, vibrant rhythms from The Temple of Fine Arts (TOFA) dancers and careful brush strokes led by myBatik are among Malaysia’s well-known arts and cultural offerings.

Finding them all under one roof though, is quite rare.

With the ongoing Cultural Art Showcase and Bazaar (CASB), however, these arts and culture practitioners are in Kuala Lumpur until Sept 30.

Performing and displaying their works in Balai Seni Maybank, Menara Maybank, they symbolise the spirit of unity that is strengthened during the National Day and Malaysia Day period.

The CASB is part of Maybank Group’s commitment to celebrate and preserve the country’s arts and culture.

Launched by the bank’s corporate social responsibility arm –Maybank Foundation – the bazaar hosts workshops, exhibitions and other activities.

These showcase the talents of 11 local artisans and nine groups of cultural practitioners.

Alena Murang is among the musicians performing at the event.

The 11 artisans are Tanoti, Nor Asmah Daud, Chandra Shegar, Rumah Gambus, Han The Craftsman, Gallery Gerimis, myBatik, ManekNya, We&I Art, Winnie Kam and Sunprint Studio.

Cultural practitioners at the bazaaar include Lee Rubber Chinese Orchestra, Gangsapura, TOFA, Akademi Arjunasukma, Alena Murang, Dondang Dongeng, Pertubuhan Silat Seni Gayong Malaysia (Perak) and Fusion Wayang Kulit.

Part of Maybank Foundation’s aims through the bazaar is to provide a platform for artisans and cultural practitioners.

Peranakan beadwork, songket weaving, wau making, saree-tying and Chinese calligraphy are some of the crafts being displayed as well as taught via workshops.

Through sessions using recycled woodwork and hand paintings, visitors can create personalised pieces while gaining a deeper appreciation for Malaysia’s heritage.

The bazaar soundscape includes music by a gambus group and traditional Chinese ensemble. Live performances include Indian dances by TOFA, Sarawakian songs by Alena Murang, fusion wayang kulit shows by Tok Dalang Pyu and silat demonstrations by Gangsapura Silat Bunga Tanjung.

Batik painting workshops for bazaar visitors.

There will also be popular local foods such as Johor laksa, Sarawak laksa, kolo mee and traditional Malaysian desserts.

Maybank Group corporate affairs head and Maybank Foundation chief executive officer Izlyn Ramli said the inaugural CASB aimed to encourage more people to engage with and appreciate Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage.

“We have consistently empowered local and Asean artists and cultural practitioners through the Maybank Foundation Balai Seni Art Series programme.

“Since its inception in 1988, this programme has benefitted 811 artists, providing them a platform through more than 35 exhibitions,” she said.

The CASB at Menara Maybank on Jalan Tun Perak is ongoing until Sept 30. It is open to the public and admission is free.

Activities and showcases are from 9.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am to 6pm on Saturday.

The gallery is closed on Sunday and public holidays.