Usaha Tegas heritage art contest to inspire creativity in young artists

This year’s competition encouraged participants to draw inspiration from the nation’s intangible cultural heritage.

Usaha Tegas Group, an investment holding company owned by prominent Malaysian businessman T Ananda Krishnan once again invite budding Malaysian artists to celebrate the nation’s rich cultural history through participation in the 21st edition of the long-running Usaha Tegas Heritage Art Competition.

Keeping to the overarching theme of “Malaysian Heritage”, this year’s competition encouraged participants to draw inspiration from the nation’s intangible cultural heritage.

“The competition recognises the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on our nation, including limiting our movement and interactions, while at the same time enabling us to cherish the simple nuances of everyday life. This realisation has inspired this year’s competition to shine light on an often-overlooked aspect of heritage.

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“Intangible cultural heritage includes oral traditions, performing arts, customs and social practices as well as cultural materials. Participants are encouraged to unleash their creativity to illustrate the impalpable legends, folk dances, rituals and crafts of our nation,” said statement from the group company.

The art contest is open to young Malaysian artists who are currently pursuing their tertiary education. Winners will receive prizes, including cash, worth up to RM82,000.

There are five categories in total which are oil/acrylic, watercolour, charcoal/pencil/oil pastel/ink, printmaking and mixed media.

Interested students must register online by September 30, 2020 at tiny.cc/UTH2020 and submit their completed artworks before the closing date of October 15, 2020.

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Participants may also contact Usaha Tegas Heritage Committee for more information at 03-2380 6688 (Ranjina/Faridah), email address: [email protected], and Instagram: @heritageartcompetition.

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Thomas Tan

Thomas Tan joined CJMY in 2011. At the second annual conference in Johor Bahru, he received the 'Best Article 2011' Award. To date, he has published over 1,000 articles on community events and various topics.