Penang has a brand new arts festival, and it is all about celebrating local culture and creativity. Supported by MBPP and Think City, and curated and managed by local arts groups Roots Fest, Localhouz and Literaseni, the intent is for Seniloka Art Festival to become an annual event, and one which is accessible for Penang’s working class and marginalised groups.
Over two days, the Festival will showcase literary works, poetry, writing, painting, indie films, theatre, the music of buskers, and traditional performances. Stalls will sell local brands of T-shirts, tapestry and other products, and there will be workshops on Doodling (Saturday at 10am and Sunday at 2pm), and on Shibori Dying Techniques.
Everything will take place at Armenian Park, located between Lebuh Aceh and Lebuh Armenian in George Town’s heritage district, and historically an important area for all the early Chinese, Malay and other communities of Penang.
Several displays of artwork will be set up, including one of a collection of tin signs, and various Malaysian short films and documentaries will be shown during the two day Festival.
There will be poetry readings, a colouring contest for children on Sunday at 10am, Wayang Kulit performances, henna art and much more.
Movie screenings include a telemovie from Brother Khairulnizam will be aired on Sunday at noon, and a film adaptation of Jibam, a popular Malay novel, about greed versus kindness. Theatre performances include “Apakah Kita Sudah Merdeka” on Sunday at 8pm.
