KUCHING: Sarawak is set to establish its first state art gallery under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to showcase creative works from across the state.
The gallery will be housed in the historic old Kuching Resident Office at Jalan Barrack, which the government plans to repurpose into a cultural landmark.
This initiative aims to position the city as a regional hub for art and culture while fostering creativity in line with Sarawak’s goal to become a developed state by 2030.
Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Ministry permanent secretary, Desmond Douglas Jerukan, announced the project during the launch of the ‘Through the Canvas, Across the Sea’ exhibition at Hoan Gallery, La Promenade Mall, on Friday night.
“Our government recognises that fostering creativity is vital and is part of our endeavour to develop Sarawak into a developed state by 2030.
“While we are known for large-scale projects like the Borneo Cultures Museum and cultural events such as the Rainforest World Music Festival, we also aim to strike a balance by supporting the arts and creative industries,” he said.
To ensure the new gallery meets international standards, officials have conducted study visits to Singapore, exploring innovative approaches to transform the historic building into a world-class art space.
The upcoming gallery will not only showcase contemporary art but also highlight indigenous craftsmanship, providing a vital platform for local artists to reach wider audiences.
Meanwhile, the ‘Through the Canvas, Across the Sea’ exhibition, which will run until April 20, is open daily from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm.
It features over 50 artworks by five renowned Peninsular Malaysian artists, namely Datuk Chong Hon Fatt, Voon Kim Cheong, Lee Choon Kooi, Loo Hooi Nam and Tham Siew Moi.
Marking the first collaboration between Hoan Gallery and the ministry, the exhibition underscores the gallery’s growing role as a centre for art appreciation and development in Sarawak.
Visitors can also enjoy special activities this weekend, including a drama interpretation inspired by Tham’s artwork and performed by Chung Hua Middle School No. 1 students, a live music performance by Voon and a t-shirt drawing workshop by Lee.
Entry to the exhibition is free, and all displayed pieces are available for purchase.
Among the guests at the launch were Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Deputy Minister, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, his wife Datin Rosemary Wong, Hoan Gallery’s director Hoan Kee Huang and HSL general manager Augustine Law.
