Usaha Tegas Art Competition celebrates heritage

The Usaha Tegas Heritage Art Competition is returning for its 23rd year, inviting young Malaysian artists to dive into the nation’s rich cultural history through artistic expression. This year, the competition takes on a profound significance as it focuses on the theme of “Malaysian Heritage,” with a special emphasis on the country’s intangible cultural heritage.

The chosen theme is aligned with Malaysia’s recent entry into the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (IGCICH) under UNESCO for the 2022-2026 term.

Importance of celebrating intangible cultural heritage

The chairman of the UT Heritage Art Competition, Henry Tan, emphasized the importance of celebrating intangible cultural heritage. He highlighted, “Our intangible cultural heritage represents the essence of our traditional knowledge, skills, practices, and living expressions that have been passed down through generations.

While physical structures and landmarks are often meticulously preserved, intangible cultural heritage, including oral traditions, performing arts, customs, social practices, and traditional crafts, often remain overlooked. We believe that safeguarding intangible cultural heritage is equally vital in preserving our cultural diversity and ensuring the continuity of our traditions for future generations of Malaysians.”

Usaha Tegas: Nurturing heritage and beyond

Emerging young Malaysian talents from various schools, universities, and colleges across the nation are encouraged to participate in the annual competition. The competition features five distinct categories: charcoal or pencil or oil pastel or ink, mixed media, oil or acrylic, printmaking, and watercolor. Entrants have the opportunity to submit multiple entries across different categories.

The competition offers attractive rewards to winners, including RM8,000 in cash for the first prize winner in each category, RM3,000 for the runner-up, RM2,000 for the third prize winner, and RM500 each for two consolation prize winners. Moreover, winners will receive an award certificate and RM500 worth of TGV Cinemas vouchers.

Usaha Tegas, founded by T Ananda Krishnan, has a diverse portfolio spanning telecommunications, media, property, oil & gas, and other industries both locally and internationally.

Young Malaysian artists eager to partake in the celebration of the nation’s cultural heritage are urged to register for the competition by September 30, 2023. The final deadline for artwork submission is October 9, 2023.

For additional information on this year’s competition, including registration details and participation guidelines, please visit the official competition website at https://www.usahategasheritage.org.my/.