KAPIT: The Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) remains committed to advancing and ensuring the success of the tourism and creative industry in the state.

As part of its initiatives last year, the MTCP held a town hall session with creative industry activists in Sarawak.

According to Deputy Minister, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, the aim of the townhall session is to share current developments in the creative industries in Sarawak, as well as to introduce initiatives by the ministry to help those involved in the industry.

“In Sarawak, we are rich in art, culture, and unique heritage from 34 existing ethnic groups.

"Products such as crafts, ceramics, engravings, and weaving are examples of our creative industry.

“The designs, weaving techniques, and engravings have changed over time, and the market now demands a high level of creativity."

He said this during the Creative Industry Townhall session at Meligai Hotel, Kapit, on Saturday.

Datuk Snowdan also stressed that the marketing of creative products, such as crafts and weaves, through social media needs creativity in promotion and online sales.

“Traditional dances, for instance, are products of the creative industry that require elements of performing arts, sound, lighting, makeup, costume, choreography, and creative management."

Furthermore, Datuk Snowdan also explained that there is great potential in the creative industry in Sarawak and that the state government is always supporting this sector through various funds.

“The Sarawak government provides Dana Mudahcara for heritage, art, and culture, which is aimed at developing the sectors related to heritage, art, and culture in Sarawak.

“This fund is intended to help artists and registered associations hold programs related to heritage, art, and culture,” he explained.

He further noted that in 2022, 80 programmes were carried out with a budget of RM4.63 million, while in 2023, 73 programmes were conducted with a budget of RM5.38 million.

“By 2 August this year, 68 programmes had been carried out at a cost of RM5.17 million.

“All arts artists in Kapit and across Sarawak are invited to apply for this funding.

"I understand that the application forms and guidelines have been distributed to everyone present today. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask the ministry officials who are here,” he added.

Meanwhile, he hopes that this Townhall session will gather input and suggestions from participants to collectively advance and elevate the creative industry in Sarawak to a higher level.

Also present were the Deputy Permanent Secretary of MTCP, Desmond Douglas Jerukan, Kapit Resident Galong Luang, Chief Executive Officer of the Sarawak Arts Council, Dayang Mariana Abang Bolhassan and others. -UKASnews