(From right) Melton introduces some of the artworks on display to Abdul Karim.
KUCHING: The state government will help to set up a permanent gallery for artists in Sarawak to showcase their work.
Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this is in line with efforts to turn Kuching into a city with a soul.
“With the upcoming Sarawak Museum Campus soon, we will look into having an arts and crafts section from Sarawak, while at the same time considering nearby buildings to be turned into an arts centre too,” he said when opening the SS Connection 2017 art exhibition, which features artists from Sarawak and Sabah, at Galleria Wesberly House on Friday.
Abdul Karim said the government recognised efforts by the private sector such as Galleria in promoting the local art scene.
“It is my wish that exhibitions such as today will become part of the attraction to tourists who come to visit our state, as there are people who appreciate the arts and abstract paintings,” he said.
Exhibition organising chairman Melton Kais said the exhibition to promote artists from both states was first held in 2006.
“Today we have 12 visual artists and a tattooist from Sarawak, while Sabah is represented by 22 artists, showcasing various styles,” he said.
Melton added that Galleria will continue to fulfil its social obligations by organising art activities for children with special needs and welfare institutions.
SS Connection 2017 is a free exhibition that will be open on weekdays from 8.30am to 5pm, and on Saturdays from 9am to 12 noon.
Galleria is located at Wesberly House, Lot 2812, Block 195, Rubber Road West.
For more information, call 016-8865278 or 082-246197, or look for Galleria at Wesberly on Facebook.