Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (standing front, fourth right) in a group photo with local officials and members of the organising committee at the official launch of WAK 2017. — File photo by Muhamad Rais Sanusi
KUCHING: Who among the established Sarawakians would you like to see come back for a homecoming event during What About Kuching (WAK) 2017 this October?
According to WAK 2017 festival director Donald Tan, there are many Kuchingites based elsewhere who are actively involved in the creative industry including the visual artists, performers and musicians.
“There are so many different people out there. When they come back and perform to the local community, there is a far-reaching impact. It inspires up-and-coming talents who might be the ones on our big stage in future WAK festivals,” he told The Borneo Post.
Tan pointed out that while performers like Zee Avi and Dayang Nurfaizah seemed like obvious choices for WAK, the platform itself is for everybody with something to showcase to their hometown.
WAK 2017 currently involves genres such as music, dance, spoken words, visual arts, martial arts, extreme adventures and photography. For those who may know someone who fits into what WAK 2017 is striving to achieve, the festival organisers want to hear from you. Contact the organiser via [email protected]. – if possible, do include contact information for the person or the group individuals whom you are suggesting.
As for fans of Zee and Dayang, Tan reassured them that WAK organisers are in touch with the singers’ respective managers and are trying to entice them home to perform in October. WAK 2017 celebrates the arts, culture and lifestyles of the Kuchingites by creating a platform to share the abundant talent here and throughout Sarawak.
The month-long event, running from Sept 30 to Oct 29, will encompass every genre – from visual to performing arts, traditional to contemporary arts, and static exhibitions to active outdoor pursuits.
To date, over 20 components have already been committed by various groups, with more to come. WAK 2017 is open to more parties. Send in proposals to [email protected].
For updates, click ‘like’ on WAK 2017 Facebook page http://www.fb.com/aboutkuching, or follow them on Instagram via @aboutkuching. Moreover, check out the hashtags #WAK2017 and #aboutkuching. The official website is aboutkuching.com.