‘Give visitors something new to see’: Minister calls for creative curation to dispel static museum image

Abdul Karim (third right) and others during the launching of the ‘Helios: The Sun’ exhibition at the Borneo Cultures Museum in Kuching on Dec 6, 2025. Photo: Ukas

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Dec 6: Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, emphasised the importance of creativity among curators and museum management to ensure that artefacts are rotated periodically to maintain the museum’s appeal.

In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) report, he said this is to dispel the perception that museum exhibitions are static and unchanging.

He explained that it is standard practice for museums worldwide to display only about 20 per cent of their collections at any given time, while the remaining 80 per cent is kept in storage.

“This process ensures the museum remains lively and engaging, offering fresh experiences to returning visitors. Otherwise, those who seldom visit museums may feel there is nothing new to see.

“Therefore, creativity on the part of the management and curators is crucial in ensuring that exhibitions remain dynamic and relevant,” he said during the launch of the ‘Helios: The Sun’ exhibition at the Borneo Cultures Museum (BCM) here today.

At the same time, Abdul Karim said that the BCM has recorded 265,803 visitors as of November this year.

He hoped that with the introduction of the new exhibition, it would attract even more visitors to the museum.

“I sincerely hope that the Sarawak Museum Department will continue to bring in more high-impact international artworks and exhibitions in the future.

“In this way, we can continue to promote and educate the public not only about art, history, and culture but also about science and technology, in line with evolving interests and current needs,” he said.

Meanwhile, speaking on the exhibition, he said that it is an immersive experience accompanied by a specially composed surround-soundscape featuring solar recordings, ambient sounds, and uplifting atmospheric music.

The exhibition will be available at the BCM until July 17, 2026.

Also present were Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Senator Dato Ahmad Ibrahim, and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Datu Sherrina Husaini. — DayakDaily