KUCHING: The Sarawak International Festival of Music and Arts (Sifma) aims to further expand the arts industry here.
Its organising chairperson Dr Geraldine Law-Lee said talents and passion know no bounds, and it is Sifma’s role to search for all these talents and lead them to perform here to inspire, share and enjoy.
She pointed out, “Sarawak has been struggling in the arts scene for many years but I assure you, we are seeing some light at the end of the tunnel.”
Sifma also aims to connect and get as much help and exposure from Sarawak’s own talents who are now big names overseas, to assist in developing the performing arts scene in the future.
“I urge all authorities and anyone in any artistic positions, to know the talents you have to hear the calls of the artistic hearts, to spot and nurture and multiply it for our state.
“Not just ant loud popular tunes, but music dance art and colours that last and versatile, reaching the innermost of souls and can move the imagination from skills that can be handed down and evolve,” she said during Sifma’s welcoming dinner on Thursday.
Geraldine also took the opportunity to express her gratitude to Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah for his support to initiate the first Sifma.
“Since he took office as minister, he immediately set to make all the amendments for the arts and culture in our state.
“Within a short time, he had transformed Kuching into a city of arts, style, heritage and culture,” she said.
She also thanked all the sponsorships and support received.
During the dinner, diners were entertained by Mandeville Stars Performances – The Stars and The Young Talents (from Singapore), and sape presentation by Alena Murang followed by other musical, arts and cultural performances.
