Curtin Malaysia’s inaugural Borneo International Festival of Arts (BIFA) to showcase cultural heritage and artistic diversity

Miri, Sarawak – 23 July 2024 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) is collaborating with various partners to organise the inaugural Borneo International Festival of Arts (BIFA) in conjunction with its 25th anniversary this year.

Scheduled from 26 to 27 July 2024 at its Recreation & Event Centre, and at Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Miri on 28 July, BIFA is set to be a landmark celebration of art, culture, and community, and contribute to the transformation of Miri into a vibrant hub of artistic expression.

According to Nicholas Leong, Curtin Malaysia’s Manager of Corporate Affairs, BIFA is not merely an exhibition of artistry but a testament to the university’s dedication to nurturing cultural diversity, igniting creativity, and strengthening community bonds. BIFA furthermore aims to elevate Miri’s tourism landscape and position Sarawak as a hub of cultural innovation.

Leong pointed out that the event is aligned with Curtin’s global strategic foci (Planet, People, Partnerships), and with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), championing SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

He said that, most importantly, BIFA is dedicated to involving and engaging the local community, fostering a rich cultural exchange and artistic celebration. “BIFA will incorporate elements to ensure deep community engagement, including featuring the perennial Miri Artisan Market, providing a platform for local artisans to showcase their handcrafted goods. This initiative not only supports local businesses but also allows the community to appreciate and purchase unique, locally-made products,” he stated during a BIFA press conference at Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Miri on 18 July.

Leong said the festival has attracted artists and art enthusiasts from Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei, Thailand, and beyond. It has also received strong support from the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Curtin University, and local sponsors and partners, including Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Miri; Miri Artisan Market; Pakat Studio; University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF); Teacher Education Institute Sarawak Campus (IPGS) Miri; Meritz Hotel; R’chly Events; and PACTS.

Also present at the press conference were members of BIFA’s organising team from Curtin Malaysia, namely organising chairperson and Community Outreach Manager Suwapa Jitman, Acting Head of Library and Learning Commons Nora Hii Siaw Fong, Student First Place Activation Manager Nomiday Dajie anak Linggie, Corporate Communications Officer Norni Binti Mahadi, and Career and Alumni Services Officer Rumbidzai Mawoyo. Representing Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Miri was a team led by Head of Facility Management Unit Abdul Aziz Bujang.

Leong thanked Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Miri for being a key collaborator for BIFA. “Partnering with Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Miri for a special BIFA showcase on the third day brings the festival into a prominent community space, making art more accessible to a broader audience,” he remarked.

Besides providing sponsorship for the festival, Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Miri organised a 3R sculpture competition titled ‘Sarawak’s Landmarks’ and a ‘Recycle Revolution Bottle Challenge’ earlier this month in conjunction with BIFA. Both competitions, which were open to the public, were aimed at cultivating a love for the environment and promoting a green and sustainable environment through recycling. The judging and prize presentation for the competitions will be held during BIFA on 27 July.

BIFA will celebrate artistic diversity, featuring traditional and modern art, mural painting, dance performances, art and photography exhibitions, modern digital art, and interactive workshops. The festival will highlight the region’s unique cultural identity while pushing the boundaries of creativity.

“We anticipate a turnout of 1,000 attendees daily, including the general public, local students, members of the Curtin Malaysia community, and artists and artisans from the region. The festival will begin with an opening ceremony on 26 July, at 10 am, heralding the start of the three-day extravaganza,” Leong concluded.

Highlights of the festival include:

–    Traditional and Modern Art: Exhibitions during BIFA will feature both traditional art, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Borneo, and contemporary pieces that push the boundaries of creativity.

–    Mural Painting: Artists will transform Dayak shields into vibrant canvases, creating murals that reflect the unique cultural identity of the region. The festival will also see the unveiling of an iconic wall mural at Curtin Malaysia, painted by local artists in a wall mural painting competition held recently.

–    Dance Performances: The festival promotes dance as an eclectic form of artistic expression. Local dancers will bring the stage to life with performances that blend traditional Bornean dance with modern choreography.

–    Art and Photography Exhibitions: The festival will feature the artwork of 25 select artists from the region, offering a visual feast of creativity. Captivating photographs by talented photographers will also offer a visual journey through the landscapes and cultures of Borneo and beyond.

–    Modern Digital Art: BIFA will feature cutting-edge digital art, including the world-class Indigenous Metaverse Carrolup Project. This immersive AI art experience from the John Curtin Gallery at Curtin University in Perth merges advanced technology with cultural heritage, offering a unique and engaging experience for attendees.

–    Interactive Workshops and Activities: Designed for participants of all ages, these workshops will provide hands-on opportunities to explore various art forms, fostering creativity and engagement within the community.

–  Miri Artisan Market: The festival will also feature the popular Miri Artisan Market, creating a platform for local artisans to showcase their handcrafted goods, support local businesses, and allow the community to appreciate and purchase unique, locally-made products.

–  School Art Competitions: By engaging local school students in various art competitions, BIFA will encourage the younger generation to explore their creative talents and express themselves artistically.

For more information on BIFA, please contact Curtin Malaysia’s Corporate Affairs Department at 085-630 100 ext. 2658 or email corporateaffairs@curtin.edu.my.

(L-R) Norni Mahadi, Rumbidzai Mawayo, Nomiday Dajie, Nora Hii, Suwapa Jitman, Nicholas Leong, Abdul Aziz, and Pustaka Miri staff at the press conference.

Public invited to attend BIFA 2024 for a celebration of cultural and artistic diversity