Making arts, culture accessible | The Star

RM4.5mil grant expected to support practitioners, bring together artists, create economic opportunities

Hasanah Foundation, in collaboration with Finance Ministry, has granted RM4.5mil in funding to support local arts, heritage and culture practitioners through Arts for All Seasons (ArtsFAS) 2023.This grant for arts, heritage and culture would play a key role in making local events accessible across all generations and layers of society, said Hasanah Foundation managing director Datuk Shahira Ahmed Bazari.

“Every time I speak to an artist, I see the struggles they go through to keep their arts alive.

“They need support to enliven their arts and our heritage.

Performers showcasing a medley of ethnic dances including the Odisi.

“We are bringing together artists from not just major cities but from all corners of Malaysia, regardless of the size of the city or town they come from.”

Shahira said ArtsFAS had helped many artists since its inception in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The initiative has provided RM10.2mil in grants through the 333 arts, heritage and cultural events it has supported, creating economic opportunities for over 7,500 individuals in the creative sector.”

Attendees playing the traditional game of congkak.

ArtsFAS is presenting 142 arts and cultural shows from this month until December.

Programme advisor Tan Sri Norliza Rofli said there were numerous art genres that needed to be popularised and hoped the ministry could offer more funding in the future.

“Arts and heritage are not shouldered alone but by large communities and groups in cities and rural areas – this grant will definitely help practitioners continue what they are doing.”

Participants arranging flowers to create artistic pieces.

During the launch, seven artistic organisations were featured to showcase the rich arts of multicultural Malaysia in dance, music, theatre, traditional crafts and cuisine.

One of these artistic organisations was The Rojak Projek, which founder Faye Lim said, “ArtsFAS is the best arts grant programme for artists because it focuses on unheard communities in Malaysia.”

The Rojak Projek creates portraits of Malaysians using local food and delicacies to celebrate the country’s diversity.

Mak Yong being performed at the launch of ArtsFAS 2023 in Kuala Lumpur.

“Food is a gesture of peace that allows us to sit and eat together despite our differences. Hence, we are using this concept through ArtsFAS.

“ArtsFAS is a powerful element that tells people that nobody should be left behind.” said Lim.

For details on ArtsFAS’ upcoming shows, visit www.artsfas.org