MIRI (July 19): Arts and culture activists from Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei and Thailand will exhibit their respective artworks at the Borneo International Art Festival (BIFA), which is set to take place here on July 26-28.

Organised by Curtin University Malaysia in conjunction with its 25th anniversary celebration, the festival will be held at Curtin Malaysia Recreation and Event Centre on July 26-27 and at Pustaka Negeri Sarawak (Pustaka) Miri on July 28.

Curtin Malaysia’s Corporate Affairs manager Nicholas Leong said the festival is not only an art exhibition, but proof of the university’s commitment to fostering cultural diversity, fuelling creativity and strengthening community bonds, besides aiming to improve Miri’s tourism landscape and position Sarawak as a nexus of cultural innovation.

“The festival will combine several key elements to ensure community engagement, featuring the very popular Miri Artisan Market to create a platform for local artisans to showcase their handmade goods.

“This initiative not only supports local businesses but also allows the community to appreciate and buy unique locally-made products, improving the cultural and economic fabric of the region,” he said in a press conference at Pustaka Miri.

Also present were Community Outreach manager Suwapa Jitman, Student First Place Activation manager Nomiday Dajie Linggie, acting head of Libraries and Shared Learning Nora Hii, and Pustaka Miri Facility Management Unit head Abdul Aziz Bujang.

Among the highlights at BIFA are traditional and modern art, mural painting, dance performances, art and photography exhibitions from 25 selected artists, modern digital art, as well as interactive workshops and activities.

Also organised in conjunction with BIFA earlier this month at Pustaka Miri were a 3R sculpture competition titled ‘Sarawak’s Landmarks’ and a ‘Recycle Revolution Bottle Challenge’, which aimed to foster love for the environment.