KUCHING: Twenty local veteran artistes will be honoured at the Seniman Sarawak Award 2023 here on July 7.
Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said it will involve several categories of artistes including in music and singing, acting and theatre as well as dance.
“This is one of our ways of appreciating the services of those who once entertained the country through the art industry. As veteran entertainers, they need to be remembered,” he said here on Tuesday (July 4).
The ceremony which is organised by the Malaysian Arts and Cultural Practitioners Association (MACPA) with the support of the ministry will take place at Dewan Santapan in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Building.
Abdul Karim said this year’s award recipients were selected by a panel of judges and experts based on their level of achievement and contribution in the field of art and culture.
“I am confident the non-governmental organisation’s (NGO) noble initiative in organising this award would be supported by everyone.
“I believe that awards like this can bring rapid development to the art field in Sarawak, as well as give aspiration to young people to continue to be active in advancing the local art industry to the international level,” he said.
He stated that overall there will be four award categories that will be presented such as the Seniman Khas Virtuoso Award; Seniman Lagenda Award; Seniman Unggul Award; and Seniman Bitara Award.
“This award ceremony aims to give recognition to the sacrifices and services of previous veteran art activists for having made significant contributions in the field of art and culture in Malaysia, especially in Sarawak.
“At the previous award ceremony, a total of 59 veteran artistes were awarded in their respective fields,” he said.
Abdul Karim also expressed hope that an organisation will be established to look after the welfare of local artistes be it veterans or current ones.
“This is because if there is a certain association or organisation for them, it will be easier for us to channel funds every year whether through the ministry, people’s representatives and others for them.
“This will aid them in the event any of them is sick or hospitalised, this organisation or association can help them financially to ease their burden,” he said.
