‘Work with ministry to promote unique art globally’
KUCHING: The work of local artists can be marketed as a tourism product, so they should work with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to promote Sarawak’s unique art globally, said the ministry’s Permanent Secretary Datu Ik Pahon Joyik.
With arts and culture made components of the Tourism Ministry, the state can showcase to tourists the diversity of culture and heritage as the main attraction, he said.
“Art and culture have become important components of the ministry and it is high time Sarawak had its own gallery to showcase all the collection. We need to highlight this to the government together,” he said at the opening of Galleria’s annual exhibition ‘Cultural Splendour 2016’ on Friday night.
He suggested to the artists to come together for one international event as there is funding available from Sarawak Convention Bureau.
Meanwhile, National Visual Arts Development Board member Datuk Taib Ali hopes more private art galleries would be set up to encourage local artists to showcase their work.
“Cultural Splendour as a theme showcases the beauty and magnificence of local culture, and allows locals and foreigners to better understand Sarawak’s rich cultural background.”
The diverse background of participating artists reflected the beautiful cultural diversities of communities in Sarawak, he said.
He congratulated artist Melton Kais on being appointed member of the National Visual Arts Development Board.
At the event, he presented a personal donation of RM5,000 to the Artists Association of Kuching.
The exhibition running from last Friday to Jan 8 showcases the work of 13 artists including woodbark painter, sape maker and sape master Matthew Ngau and renowned Sarawakian artist Raphael Scott Ahbeng.
The exhibition is open from 8.30am to 5.30pm on weekdays as well as from 9am to noon on Saturdays.
Galleria is located at Wesberly House, Lot 2812, Block 195, Rubber Road West.
For further information, contact 082-415278 or 016-8865278.