Strong integrated cooperation of theatre ecosystem in Sarawak

KUCHING, Oct. 5: The development of the local theatre and performing arts industry requires integrated cooperation between governments, cultural agencies, educational institutions and art activist communities to ensure that the arts ecosystem develops sustainably.

Deputy Director-General (Culture and Arts) of the Department of Culture and Arts (JKKN), Mohd Radzi Omar said that no institution can develop an art ecosystem independently without support and involvement of various stakeholders.

He believes that strategic cooperation is important not only in creating new talent, but also ensuring they are continuously guided, given opportunities to work and promoted to higher levels.

"Integrated strategic cooperation proves that art development becomes more effective when driven through shared resources, expertise and responsibility.

"A robust art ecosystem depends not only on the number of programs, but also on the quality of talent building, continuity of job opportunities and effectiveness of collaborations created", he said.

He said this while addressing the inaugural closing ceremony of the Sarawak Zone 2026 Malaysian Theatre Festival at the Sarawak Branch's Cultural, Language and Library (DBP) Hall on Sunday.

Commenting on the festival's themed 'Narrative of Rivers, Forests and People', Mohd Radzi explained that zone-level hosting is a strategic approach to provide more space for local theatre activists to highlight their creativity and work.

He also reminded art activists to balance freedom of work with wisdom, ethics and social and state responsibility.

He said that freedom of work is not unlimited, but must be accompanied by awareness to respect the sensitivity of society and adhere firmly to Rukun Nasional principles.

Meanwhile, the performance of The Oath Of Meranti by Kuching Creative Sanggar Theatre Association was crowned champion and will represent Sarawak to national level which is scheduled to take place next year.

The Sarawak Zone Malaysia Theatre Festival 2026 which runs from 28 September to 4 October saw the participation of seven local theatre groups.

In total, 10 special awards were contested to recognize the excellence of performing arts activists in the state.