Merdeka bazaar gives students, needy folk, public chance to explore artistic activities
MORE than 100 people showed up for the Merdeka Bazaar 2026 art festival in the royal town of Kuala Kangsar in Perak.
Held at Galeri Seni Raja Shahriman in Bukit Chandan, many of those present joined in various art activities, including sketching, workshops and art classes.
Among the participants were 30 orphaned and underprivileged children, who took part in Tikar Art – a hands-on community art activity using the traditional mat as a creative medium.
Participants explored patterns, forms and colours and created their own artistic interpretations.
Event director and chairman Datin Puteri Julie Aziz said Tikar Art activity ensured that children and families from less privileged backgrounds could also experience and benefit from the programme.
“Supporting the community goes beyond material assistance by creating opportunities for children to learn, participate, express themselves and build confidence through art,” she said in a press release.
“With the theme being ‘Merdeka Through Art, Creativity and Community’, the programme presented art not simply as something to be viewed, but as something to be experienced, learned and created.”
Another key highlight during the event was a “Bicara Seni” activity with prominent visual artist and sculptor Raja Shahriman Raja Aziddin.
About 85 school students signed up for the session, which was followed by sketching and art activities that allowed young participants to engage directly with the creative process.
The session also featured Balai Seni Negara Ipoh branch curator Erry Arham Azmi, who gave an institutional perspective on the role of art institutions and the importance of widening public access to visual arts.
In her welcoming remarks, Pelita Hati Art Gallery founder Raja Dr Elina Raja Aziddin said art could bring people together, build confidence and provide young people with opportunities to discover their potential.
“Merdeka Bazaar 2026 is not simply about viewing art.
“We want people to come, interact, learn and create.
“For us, the freedom to create is also part of the spirit of Merdeka,” she said.
Also present were Orang Besar Jajahan Kuala Kangsar Toh Maharaja Indera Datuk Dr Khairil Anuar Arshad and district deputy education officer Khairulamri Sulaiman.
