DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL COMMUNITY ARTS: AWARENESS FOR HEIRS OF HERITAGE

Lundu, 23 August 2025 – The Ngelakar Seni program organized by the Sarawak Arts Council in collaboration with the Lundu District Office was held at Dewan Centex Lundu from 8.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon. This knowledge-filled and inspiring program was officiated by Mr. Awang Ikman bin Awang Sepian, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Sarawak Arts Council.

The forum gathered more than 250 participants consisting of art practitioners, school students, university students, and the local community to discuss the role of arts in strengthening cultural identity and preserving local heritage.

The program aimed to explore the topic of arts, obtain input and suggestions from the community, empower the arts sector, develop Sarawak’s arts and culture, and ignite a deeper appreciation for the arts among the people.

The discussion session was moderated by Uji Morni, a radio presenter from RTM Sarawak, with an experienced panel comprising Zamhari Bin Mostapa, London Anak Tasin, Sharkawi Bin Haji Amit, and Claudia Geres. Their sharing emphasized strategies to elevate traditional arts through modern approaches to remain relevant, while also empowering young talents and strengthening artistic community networks.

Through this program, participants were exposed to the importance of developing rural community arts as a pillar of cultural heritage. Such initiatives are hoped to ensure that Sarawak’s traditional arts continue to thrive and be inherited by future generations.