Cultural Art Showcase & Bazaar (CASB)
Celebrating the Diversity of Malaysia’s Creative and Cultural Heritage through the Cultural Art Showcase and Bazaar #CASB2024
From 9 to 30 September 2024, Maybank Foundation has successfully brought together the Cultural Art Showcase & Bazaar (CASB), a vibrant display of cultural craftsmanship and artistry dedicated to recognising the talented artisans who are at the heart of this showcase, honouring their dedication to preserving Malaysia's rich cultural heritage. The inaugural event highlights 12 local artisans and nine groups of cultural practitioners through dynamic activities, workshops, and exhibitions, presenting the public with unique arts and cultural offerings.
The soothing sounds of Alena Murang, a Malaysian singer-songwriter, Sape player, visual artist and edtucator who sings in Sarawakian languages including ‘Kelabit’ and ‘Kenyah’.
The CASB aimed not only to provide a stage for artisans to showcase their incredible craftsmanship but also to highlight Maybank Foundation’s ongoing commitment to nurturing the arts and empowering local communities. By establishing such a platform, Maybank Foundation has ensured that local artisans receive the recognition and support they deserve, enabling them to flourish in their craft.
An energetic ‘Dikir Barat’ performance by local artisan, The Akademi Arjunasukma.
The programme was made possible with the support of the Balai Seni Art Series Programme partner, Kakiseni, as well as the MAE and Sama Sama Lokal teams, who onboarded the fellow artisans and introduced a new SSL category called “Artisans". The hope is that this initiative will open up more opportunities for sales and raise awareness for our local talented artisans.
Visitors participate in hands-on sessions led by experienced artisans, offering workshops such as batik painting, ‘Wau’ (kite) making, calligraphy painting, paper cutting art, pua kumbu weaving, saree wearing tips, mini recycled woodwork, and recycled craft hand paintings.
On 24 September 2024, the Artisan Appreciation Ceremony was held to celebrate the artisans featured at CASB. The participating artisans at CASB are recognised as the keepers of cultural heritage, preserving traditions, shared wisdom, and stories that transcend time and place. Their dedication, creativity, and tireless efforts have allowed us to celebrate Malaysia's rich cultural tapestry with vibrancy and depth.
Since its opening at the Balai Seni and Menara Terrace, CASB has welcomed over 10,000 visitors, with artisans achieving impressive cumulative sales figures of RM142,594.00, marking a significant step towards sustaining their livelihoods.
“Maybank and Maybank Foundation are deeply committed to catalysing socioeconomic growth across ASEAN, including the creative and cultural sectors. Platforms like CASB are crucial in bridging the gap between artistry and economic opportunity, helping artisans flourish and ensuring their invaluable contributions to our cultural and economic landscape.”
- Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ir. Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa, Chairman Of Maybank And Maybank Foundation
Tan Sri Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa, Chairman of Maybank and Maybank Foundation addressed the crowd with a welcome speech.
CASB is an embodiment of Maybank and Maybank Foundation's broader mission to catalyse socioeconomic growth across the ASEAN region, with a specific focus on the creative and cultural sectors. This initiative plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between art and economic opportunity, allowing artisans to thrive and make a substantial impact on the cultural and economic landscape.
A special acknowledgment was extended to the Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Pahang (PKNP) Tenun Pahang Soi, represented by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Datin Norasikin Jamaludin, whose traditional Malay Pahang attire added a unique cultural element to the showcase.
Captivating performances by Dondang Dongeng, a group of homegrown singers, storytellers, and musicians showcasing their colourful characters, traditional elements, and inspiring moral themes.
Thank you to all Maybankers for your unwavering support towards the Cultural Art Showcase & Bazaar (CASB). Your dedication has been key to its success, helping us celebrate our talented artisans and uplift Malaysia's rich cultural heritage.
Together, we've created a platform that empowers communities and exemplifies Maybank's spirit of driving positive change.
The event may have ended, but the memories remain! Maybank Foundation has set up virtual galleries for the exhibitions held at Balai Seni, including CASB’s! Explore the virtual galleries
Get to know our arts and culture practitioners featured at CASB!
Rumah Gare
Rumah Gare is home to a tight community of weavers from the Iban ethnic group. This team of women are world-renowned for producing the fabled fabric of Pua Kumbu. They are a part of the Maybank Women Eco-Weavers (MWEW) programme by the Maybank Foundation.
WE&I Art: Izzati Shahrin
Izzati has always been very passionate about expressing her thoughts through drawings and a kaleidoscope of colours that are in her “special” world. WE & I is a vibrant collective of three uniquely talented artists with disabilities: Haziq Izmi, Izzati Shahrin, and Maria Soo.
Han The Craftsman
James Han, a skilled craftsman hailing from Sabah is an exceptional talent in paper cutting and glass painting. Brands such as Gucci, Sulwhasoo, Shiseido, BOSCH, UOB, and Starbucks have commissioned his work for various projects. Han believes that in our fast-paced world, handcrafting embodies a spirit of avant-garde creativity and warmth.
Rumah Gambus
Dr Raja Zulkarnain Raja Mohd Yusof is a distinguished ethnomusicologist with a Doctorate in Creative Arts and a Master’s in Musicology, renowned for his expertise in the gambus. His work plays a crucial role in highlighting the cultural and historical significance of the gambus and he is a vital guardian of this traditional art form.
Gallery Gerimis
Leny Maknoh is a self-taught Orang Asli Temuan artist known for her mastery in realism, using graphite and coloured pencils to create stunning portraits on paper. Bah Saluji is an Orang Asli Semai writer and illustrator, specialising in children’s books. Tompoq Topoh is the Mah Meri women’s first weave initiative in Pulau Carey, led by master weaver Maznah Unyan.
Nor Asmah Daud
Nor Asmah Daud is a professional wau (traditional kite) maker from Perak. 20 years ago, she began her journey in kite making, learning from Adiguru Kraf Wau, Samat Man. As the only professional female wau maker in Malaysia, she is dedicated to preserving this heritage and hopes to inspire more women to learn this traditional craft.
Chandra Shegar
Chandra Shegar, fondly known as Shegar, has been a prominent figure in the fashion and styling industry for over two decades. His ability to transform ideas into stunning visual realities has made him a force to be reckoned with.
manekNya
manekNya is a distinguished Peranakan brand that specialises in the intricate art of beading, dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage, art, and traditions of the Peranakan community.
D’NIY Arts
d’NIY Arts offers a diverse range of visual art workshops, including reverse dyeing, batik painting, and batik application, catering to individuals of all ages. In addition to these workshops, d’NIY Arts is dedicated to providing art therapy sessions for individuals with disabilities and running a Special Education Programme for Intergration (PPIK) in schools.
Alina Batik
Dr. Mislina is a Melaka native who established Alina Batik, a brand known for producing handmade batik using traditional techniques. She was recently recognised as a Social Entrepreneur by The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (Kuskop) for her contributions and impact on society.
Sunprint Studio
Sunprint Studio is a small, ambitious studio dedicated to fostering a deeper connection between people and nature. Through educational products, classes, and workshops, the studio teaches both traditional and modern print techniques, with a focus on using natural materials where possible.
Winnie Kam
Kam Wui Mui (Winnie) is a renowned Chinese ink painter based in Malaysia, known for her significant contributions to the local and international art scene. Apart from her artistic pursuits, Winnie serves as an instructor of ink painting at the Chinese Cultural Center in Kuala Lumpur. She also holds the position of Vice President in the Asia Society of the World Federation of Cultures and Arts (Chongqing, China).
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