500 participants expected for Unity Arts Carnival 2024

SIBU: About 500 people are expected to participate in the Unity Arts Carnival 2024, organised by the Sibu Chinese Calligraphy Society, from Oct 19 to 20 at RH Hotel.

The programme aims to highlight the beauty of unity through art by bringing together communities to celebrate Chinese and Arabic calligraphy, as well as cultural performances.

According to its president, Hii Pee Long, the carnival’s theme focuses on the harmonious blending of Chinese and Arabic calligraphy, symbolising how different cultural traditions can coexist and enrich each other.

Hii, who is also the organising chairman, added that the event will provide a unique opportunity for the community to come together, share traditions, and explore the richness of Sarawak’s artistic and culinary heritage.

“We are honoured to bring together such a diverse range of artistic and cultural expressions under one roof.

“The Unity Arts Carnival 2024 is not just a celebration of art and food, but also a platform to strengthen bonds between different communities,” he told a press conference at a renowned hotel here today.

Among the highlights are the Chinese and Arabic calligraphy competition, an exhibition of Chinese and Arabic calligraphy, cultural performances, an indoor night bazaar, a fusion music concert, and an artisan market and workshops.

“For the Indoor Night Bazaar, the special night bazaar on Oct 19 (only for a day), from 6 pm to 9 pm, will focus on free food sample tastings from different communities.

“Meanwhile, the Artisan Market and Workshops, running from Oct 19 to 20, will showcase local crafts and artisanal products, providing a platform for Sarawak’s talented creators to exhibit their work,” he added.

The programme is sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, facilitated under Dana Mudahcara Warisan, Kesenian dan Kebudayaan Sarawak, and further supported by the State Library (Sibu Branch), RH Hotel, and Hidayah Centre Foundation.

Entry is free, and for more information on the programme, the public can visit https://unityartscarnival.com/