WAK Festival 2026 calls for creative proposals as it enters eighth edition

KUCHING (March 6): The creative community in Sarawak and beyond is invited to submit proposals for the WAK Festival, which is entering its eighth edition this year.

State Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah described the community-driven, multi-genre festival as one of Sarawak’s most anticipated creative events since its launch in 2017.

He said this year’s theme, “Shoots”, symbolises growth and new beginnings.

“If previous editions strengthened our foundations, ‘Shoots’ represents growth in motion. New talents rising, new collaborations forming, new creative enterprises flourishing — It signals the next chapter of WAK’s evolution as it advances towards becoming a leading regional open-access festival platform,” he said during the WAK Festival 2026 Call for Proposal Media Launch here.

Abdul Karim encouraged creatives from Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore, Peninsular Malaysia and beyond to submit proposals at www.wakfestival.com.

“This is your stage. Your platform. Your opportunity. Musicians, visual artists, performers, filmmakers, craft practitioners, culinary innovators, sports organisers and lifestyle curators, step forward and be part of this movement,” he added.

The Sibu and Miri editions will be held in June, followed by the Kuching edition in October.

Proposals for Sibu and Miri must be submitted by the end of April, while submissions for Kuching close at the end of July.

Submission guidelines and a handbook are available on the official website, with hotline 011-1312 0898 for enquiries.

Festival founder and director Donald Tan said the process is straightforward, with support available for applicants, including those new to staging events.

“We hope to have a lot of collaborators this year, established ones and new ones, to be part of this community.

“If you are new and have never staged an event before, this is your opportunity. Our team will guide you to make sure that your event becomes a reality,” he said.

Tan noted that 110 proposals were submitted last year and expressed hope the 2026 edition would match or exceed that number.

Abdul Karim reaffirmed the Sarawak government’s support for WAK Festival, as assured by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg last year.

“On behalf of the Sarawak government, I reaffirm our continued support for this noble endeavour.

“With this sustained commitment, and with the strength of our creative community behind it, WAK 2026 is poised to be our biggest and most impactful edition yet. Let us grow these creative shoots together.

“Come and be part of WAK 2026 in Sarawak, The Gateway to Borneo,” he said.