KUCHING: Miri is set to host the MYY Living Arts UnConference & Festival from May 13 to 19.
The inaugural event, which will be hosted in various food and beverage (F&B) outlets in the Marina and Brighton (Jalan Temenggong Oyong Lawai Jau) area, aims to bring together artists and creatives from Sabah, Brunei, Kalimantan and Sarawak, spotlighting the Borneo narrative from a local perspective.
In the spirit of Borneo’s indigenous communities, each F&B outlet will be considered a village or longhouse, in which the invited artist moderator will serve as the tuai rumah (village head).
The tuai rumah includes visual artist Harold EGN Eswar from Sabah, author and filmmaker, Claudia Liberani (Kalimantan, Indonesia), multidisciplinary artist Elroy Ramantan (Brunei) and Adrian Jo Milang, Kayan cultural practitioner and community manager (Sarawak).
MYY Living Arts executive producer and The Tuyang Initiative co-founder Juvita Tatan Wan said unlike the traditional conference format where it is held in one venue, the festival aims to lower such barriers for both the artists and the general public.
“What is more important is the experience and discourse, particularly around the creative work created in Borneo, for meetings to happen or just in listening to each other’s aspirations.
“Hence, that is why we are hosting it at F&B outlets. While you’re having a coffee, maybe you will get the chance to admire the artwork on the wall, or even listen to some live music or perhaps join in on the conversation that’s happening,” she said.
She also hoped the festival would draw visitors from other creative sector players, particularly from West Malaysia and the region, who are keen to learn or explore collaborative opportunities with Borneo-based artists and creatives.
“There is keen keen interest in developing the Borneo market due to various factors. Personally, we have been reached out to over the years by production teams or advertising agencies from Kuala Lumpur, asking about stories which they can sell to their clients for Gawai or Kaamatan.
“That is a very extractive and non-collaborative approach. We exist 365 days a year, not just during the harvest festivals. So, why seek us out only when there’s something to gain?” asked Juvita, who is a Sarawakian with over ten years of corporate, entertainment industry, as well as advertising experience.
Thus, she expressed hope for clients, agencies and production houses to come and spend some time in areas of Sarawak to learn about it’s people and culture.
“Take the time to listen to some of our aspirations and include us, collaborate with us in the developmental aspect of a work or campaign. That way, at least they can truly say it is inclusive and properly represented,” she said.
Meanwhile, the festival offers attendees unique experiences, featuring artists from the Borneo territories presenting their work in potentially unconventional settings.
Additionally, there will be open mic sessions, theatre staging, poetry and book readings, film screenings, and more, showcasing the diversity of artistic disciplines by artists in the region.
Currently supported by Miri City Council, TEGAS Digital Innovation Hub Miri, and The Actors Studio Foundation, the festival partners include Sabah Art Gallery, Apuu Films, The Culture Capital, Borneo Laboratory and PaKat.
Entrance into most activities are free, but donations are welcomed and ticket requirements are as indicated.
For a detailed programming schedule, visit myylivingarts.com.
