Inaugural Miri Arts Festival hopes to captivate creative arts enthusiasts from Aug 1-4

MIRI (July 12): Miri will host the Miri Arts Festival (MAF) from Aug 1-4 to captivate creative arts enthusiasts here.

The inaugural arts festival is organised by AX International Event and Communications Sdn Bhd in collaboration with Dewan Usahawan Bumiputera Sarawak (DUBS) and supported by the federal Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism; state Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts; Sarawak Tourism Board; Miri City Council; Pullman Miri Waterfront Hotel; and Miri Times Square.

MAF director Azeez Salleh in a press conference said the festival would be a groundbreaking manifestation and celebration of the arts.

“The festival promises to ignite the city of Miri with a myriad of dazzling festivities, showcasing diverse creativity and cultural celebration stretching around Pullman Miri Waterfront and Miri Times Square,” he said.

He added an innovative digital art experience would be introduced during the festival, marking a historic milestone in Miri’s cultural landscape.

Azeez said the festival aims to establish itself as a premier platform for artistic expression and community engagement.

Highlights include ‘Artistic Premieres’, where guests can experience the debut of captivating artworks by both emerging and established talents.

There will also be ‘Premier Performances’, where festival-goers can be among the first to witness breathtaking performances by local and international artistes.

In the ‘Cultural Showcase’, festival-goers can immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Miri’s cultural heritage through a marketplace showcasing traditional crafts, culinary delights and cultural demonstrations.

The highlight will be the ‘Festival Gala Evening’, where guests can celebrate the arts and creative industry and witness exclusive performances by Anuar Zain, Douglas Lim, Nisa Addina and MahsuriShark.

Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah is expected to officiate the festival on Aug 3.

Also present at the press conference was Sarawak Administrative Officer Nur Izzah Jaffri representing Miri Resident Jamalie Busri.

Stay updated on MAF via social media at @miriartsfestival (Instagram) or their Facebook page (Miri Arts Festival).