Month-long WAK all set to roll

KUCHING: With over 70 events and more signing up, What About Kuching (WAK) 2017 is all set for the inaugural festival that celebrates the arts, culture and lifestyles of the people of Kuching.

Its director Donald Tan said what is left to be done now is finetuning the programmes, quality of staging, volunteers and other matters that need to be mobilised.

“We’re trying to get everybody prepared and to iron out rough patches. When the festival is launched, it will be something for everyone to enjoy rather than get stressed about,” he said after their final meeting yesterday.

Tan added that one of their main concerns now is getting enough people and resources to stage and fund their many events.

The state government is on board and is lending support, especially Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and his ministry.

“We still need help from private sector members. We urge them to come on board, as we need their contribution,” said Tan.

Groups are still coming on board with their events, so those who are still contemplating should take the plunge and sign up now. The easiest way to help is to tell your friends.

“The performers are ready and looking forward to the festival. One thing we cannot control is audience. We need to go and reach out, get a bit of publicity there. But shouting out to friends and family will go a long way to draw more people to our events.”

WAK 2017 celebrates the arts, culture and lifestyles of the people of Kuching by creating a platform to share the abundant talent here and in Sarawak.

The month-long event (Sept 30 to Oct 29) will encompass every genre from visual to performing arts, traditional to contemporary arts, and from static exhibitions to active outdoor pursuits.

To date, over 70 components have been committed by various groups with more to come. Want to join the party? Send your proposals to info@aboutkuching. com.

Know someone who fits into what WAK 2017 is trying to achieve? Get in touch at info@ aboutkuching.com. If possible, include contact information for the person or group you are suggesting.

For updates, like WAK 2017 on Facebook at http:// www.fb.com/aboutkuching or follow them on Instagram at @aboutkuching. Check out hashtags #WAK2017 and #aboutkuching. Their website is aboutkuching.com.