SharingMyPassion set to unveil insights into Kuching
KUCHING: SharingMyPassion (SMP) will dive deep into the passions of Kuching — past, present and future—in conjunction with What About Kuching ( WAK) 2017, a monthlong festival this October celebrating the arts, culture and lifestyles of the people of Kuching.
Organised by The Museum Cafe & Shop, SMP just held its 71st edition last Wednesday.
“We have some definite plans to have a Kuching-focused series during WAK,” said SMP founder Donald Tan, who is also WAK 2017 festival director.
He told The Borneo Post that Kuching is going through a transformation, with places such as Gambier Street changing tremendously.
He hoped to recapture some of those memories through people who remember it, such as the older generation who lived in old Kuching, or people with knowledge about things such as old street names, traditional trades that are fading or gone, and stories of what Kuching’s past was like.
Tan is also interested in the foreigner’s perspective.
“A lot of them arrive in Kuching and have been living here 20– 30 years. It would be interesting (to see the view) from their eyes as well,” he said, adding that on the other side of the coin, Kuchingites who have been away for a long time can also add their perspective.
SMP organisers are planning to fill out their usual Wednesday slots first, but Tan said there’s plenty of room for more SMP talks.
“We might have SMP Plus, which happens outside of Wednesdays. When we come across interesting speakers, why not?”
SharingMyPassion is a platform for artists, artisans, musicians, naturalists, travellers and dreamers to share their passion.
The dates for SMP at WAK are Oct 4, 11, 18 and 25. For more information, contact Laurence Burnham at sarawakmuseumshop@ gmail. com. The Museum Cafe & Shop is at No. 96 Main Bazaar.
You can also find ‘Sharing My Passion at The Museum Cafe & Shop’ on Facebook for the latest updates.
WAK 2017 celebrates the arts, culture and lifestyles of the people of Kuching by creating a platform to share the abundant talent here and throughout Sarawak. The month-long event, beginning 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 20 components have already been committed by various groups, with more to come. WAK 2017 is open to more parties joining them. Send in your proposals to info@ aboutkuching. com.
If you know of someone who fits into what WAK 2017 is trying to achieve, the festival organisers want to hear from you. You can reach them at info@ aboutkuching.com. If possible, include contact information for the person or group that 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 the hashtags #WAK2017 and # aboutkuching. Their website is aboutkuching.com.
We have some definite plans to have a Kuching-focused series during WAK. Donald Tan, SMP founder