Creative arts programmes can bring Johoreans from diverse backgrounds together, fostering unity through a shared appreciation of the arts.
Johor unity, heritage and culture committee chairman P. Pannir Selvam said programmes such as Graff For Nation (GFN) 2.0 in Johor Baru could bring people together by encouraging interaction, exposing them to different artistic expressions and fostering a stronger sense of community.
“GFN 2.0, which featured local and international graffiti artists at Kota Jail, demonstrated how art could connect people beyond cultural and geographical boundaries.
“Such programmes also support Visit Malaysia Year 2026-2027 and Visit Johor Year 2026 campaigns by adding a creative element to what the state has to offer,” he said.
The second GFN edition brought together 24 participants from six countries.
“The programme featured renowned graffiti artists from various continents, including Asia and Europe, to work alongside local talent,” Pannir Selvam said in his speech at the launch of the event.
Festivals such as GFN 2.0, he said, also reflected Johor’s support to develop the state’s creative ecosystem.
He said the growing number of murals and graffiti around Johor Baru showed that creative art was becoming an increasingly prominent feature of the cityscape.
The Perling assemblyman said such works could give visitors a different experience while exploring the city.
He added that Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) and Tourism Johor regarded murals and graffiti as part of the tourism attractions.
Pannir Selvam said such support provided the country’s graffiti and mural-art community a platform to showcase their art.
He hoped GFN would grow into a major platform for developing Johor’s creative industry and opening up more opportunities in the sector.
“I hope GFN can help strengthen the creative industry’s role as an economic enabler for Johor,” he said.
Pannir Selvam said a stronger creative sector could also contribute to the state’s wider economic and social development.
He said this was in line with Johor’s development agenda, which emphasised economic and social well-being, environmental sustainability, creativity and innovation.
Pannir Selvam also welcomed the National Art Gallery’s move to take programmes such as GFN into communities, and making art more accessible beyond conventional gallery spaces.
“Greater exposure to art can inspire the younger generation and encourage communities to participate in creative activities,” he said.
Continued cooperation between the Johor government, federal agencies, local authorities and creative communities was important to developing the state’s creative ecosystem, added Pannir Selvam.
