MIRI: The ALL ABOUT ARTS – Roots exhibition, held in conjunction with the What About Kuching (WAK) Miri Festival 2026, serves as an important platform in efforts to preserve cultural heritage and strengthen the development of Sarawak's creative industry through the appreciation of art rooted in local identity and culture.

Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah visited the exhibition at Bintang Megamall after attending the Opening Ceremony of the WAK Miri Festival 2026 on Saturday.

Accompanying him were the Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Miri Mayor and Pujut Assemblyman Adam Yii Siew Sang, Permanent Secretary of the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Morshidi Frederick, MTCP Heritage and Creative Industry Division Head Dr Elena Gregoria Chai Chin Fern, WAK Festival Director Donald Tan, and WAK Festival Event Manager Brendan Chin.

The exhibition, which is a collaboration between the WAK Festival and the Society Atelier Sarawak, highlights various artworks exploring themes of identity, memory, and cultural heritage through the mediums of visual arts, textiles, basket weaving, and traditional handicrafts of the Sarawak community.

Curated by the state's renowned art figure, Edric Ong, the exhibition showcases the unique cultures of various ethnic communities in Sarawak, including traditional weaving arts and handicrafts passed down through generations.

In addition to highlighting the authenticity of cultural heritage, the exhibition also demonstrates how traditional elements can be translated into contemporary artistic approaches without losing their original value and identity.

At the same time, the exhibition provides a platform for local artists to showcase their creativity and works to a wider audience, subsequently strengthening the arts and culture ecosystem in the state.

‘ALL ABOUT ARTS – Roots’ is among the main highlights of the WAK Miri Festival 2026, which runs from 19 to 21 June with free admission for the public. — UKASnews

Prepared by: Ryan Lim