Arts fest to help struggling local artists
KUALA LUMPUR: Supporting local artists, many of whom are struggling financially, is the main objective of the upcoming Blossom Arts Festival Malaysia 2016.
MCA vice-president Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun, who is the event chairman, said many local artists struggled to make a living through their works.
“This inspired the idea to provide them with a platform that gives them the necessary facilities and publicity to exhibit their works,” she said during the second of four soft launches for the event at Wisma MCA yesterday.
“All the revenue and donations collected will go to the artists.”
The month-long arts festival will be held in June. It has the support of working committee vice-chairman and arts exhibition director Datuk Vincent Sim Tiak Choo.
Sim is also the founder and organising chairman of Art Expo Malaysia, the longest running international art fair in South-East Asia.
“With his experience and knowledge, I am confident this arts festival will be a success,” Chew added.
Also present at the soft launch was MCA secretary-general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan, who handed out certificates of participation to the artists and representatives of participating art galleries and societies.
Occupying a floor space of more than 5,000sq m across three floors at Wisma MCA from June 1 to 30, the public has free admission to most of the arts festival, except for the stage performances and a few special programmes.
The arts being exhibited at the event comprise four categories: culture and folk activities, arts exhibitions, performance arts and visual arts such as film and photography.
There will also be interactive segments such as the pottery workshop and traditional games corner.
Blossom Arts Festival Malaysia 2016 is organised by the Malaysian Chinese Culture and Arts Consultative Council with MCA as the venue sponsor.