Sarawak Arts Council urged to explore broader spectrum of arts and culture

KUCHING: The Sarawak Arts Council (MSS) has been urged to explore a broader spectrum of arts and culture beyond its current focus on entertainment, such as dances and songs.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah stressed that arts and culture encompass more than traditional dances and performances.
“Apart from arts, the diverse ethnicities in Sarawak also have their own literature, crafts, and culinary specialties that are unique to them. If all of these are managed properly, it will become an advantage to us, especially in the tourism industry.
“This is my wish for the MSS, to look at ‘arts’ from a broader context. We must adopt a multifaceted perspective; by doing so, we can ensure that no aspect of a race or ethnicity is overlooked.”
Abdul Karim shared these thoughts during the closing ceremony of the Sarawak Arts Festival at Hikmah Exchange Event Centre here on Sunday (Nov 19).
Furthermore, he revealed that the ministry is actively seeking a venue for the Sarawak Craft Council to showcase the state’s unique crafts, considering them as an integral branch of the arts.
“In conjunction with the building we have previously earmarked for our art gallery, we are exploring options for a dedicated space to exhibit and present our arts and crafts.”
The FKS, held from Nov 17 to 19, aimed to preserve and promote art and culture, develop and invigorate the arts in Sarawak society, nurture talent in dance and native Malay songs, and foster collaboration among domestic and foreign departments, associations and clubs.
The event featured diverse artistic activities, including an exhibition with over 30 booths from various associations, Public Institutes of Higher Education and agencies.
Also present were Deputy Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan and his wife Datin Melinda Claudia Bucking-Lawan, permanent secretary Datuk Sherrina Hussaini and MSS CEO Dayang Mariana Abang Bolhassan.