What About Kuching: Arts, culture, and celebrations

What About Kuching (WAK) is back, and it’s bigger and more exciting than ever. This annual festival is set to light up the heart of Kuching City for an entire month, with arts commencing on 1 October. The occasion? Sarawak’s 60th Anniversary of Independence celebrations.

With the resonant tagline, ‘Celebrate Arts, Culture, and Lifestyle,’ WAK’s 5th edition promises an array of vibrant experiences. Over 38 performers and celebrities hailing from Sarawak, Sabah, Peninsula Malaysia, and even Scotland will converge to showcase their talents across an impressive lineup of 40 events. These events encompass a rich tapestry of music, dance, theatre, arts, crafts, and gastronomy.

WAK’s driving principle, “By the Community, For the Community,” fuels its ambition to become one of Asia’s largest open-access festivals in the coming years. This platform empowers local artists to aspire to global excellence in their respective fields, allowing them to perform alongside world-class talent.

Plethora of arts, events, engaging activities

The festival is set to captivate creative and performing arts enthusiasts with a plethora of events leading up to the grand finale on 31 October 2023. Among the highlights is a workshop series led by the acclaimed musical theatre performer, Abel Law, renowned for his role as “Montparnasse” in the iconic ‘Les Misérables’ musical at the Sondheim Theatre.

Another standout event is the ‘Acoustic Guitar Artistry: An Interactive Workshop’ conducted by the guitar maestro, Az Samad. These workshops promise to inspire and nurture talent while providing unique learning opportunities.

WAK shines a spotlight on various engaging activities, including the Tuak Crafting Workshop, Haunterland, Hip-Hop Night (All Eyes on Us), Ani-Fiesta 2023, An Evening of Songs, Enchanting Fitness: Ballet Fusion & Barre Magic, ‘An Evening of Songs’ with the Dolce Chanticleer Choir, and a masterclass on production with Belle Sisoski.

For the younger generation, ‘Colours of Life’ offers organic tie-dye and bead-making activities. Meanwhile, coffee enthusiasts can explore the art of ‘Pour Over’ coffee brewing in a dedicated workshop. Outdoor adventurers can join the Padawan Raft Safari, adding an exciting twist to the festival.

Dynamic platform for cultural exchange

The What About Kuching festival is a vibrant tapestry of diverse events that cater to a wide range of interests. It encompasses everything from traditional crafts and music to contemporary art forms, creating a rich cultural mosaic.

For those looking to participate in the festivities, WAK has made it easy to stay updated. A digital calendar programme can be downloaded from the official website, www.aboutkuching.com. Additionally, festival updates and announcements can be found on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube under the handle @aboutkuching.

As WAK unfolds throughout October, it is poised to become a dynamic platform for cultural exchange, artistic expression, and community engagement. By celebrating the arts, culture, and lifestyle, WAK not only enriches the local creative scene but also invites visitors and enthusiasts to join in the festivities.

From the lively performances to the interactive workshops, What About Kuching 2023 is a testament to the cultural vibrancy and creative spirit of Sarawak. It is a celebration that brings people together, fostering a sense of unity and appreciation for the arts and culture that define the region.

As What About Kuching 2023 unfolds, it promises a month of artistic and cultural exploration that will leave a lasting impact. The festival’s commitment to nurturing local talent and providing a platform for creativity is evident in its diverse and engaging lineup of events.

From music to dance, theatre to crafts, and gastronomy to visual arts, WAK invites both locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of Sarawak. As we celebrate Sarawak’s 60th Anniversary of Independence, What About Kuching stands as a testament to the region’s vibrant arts and cultural scene.

For those eager to be part of this cultural extravaganza, the digital calendar programme and regular updates on social media offer easy access to the festival’s schedule and highlights. What About Kuching 2023 is more than a festival; it is a celebration of community, creativity, and culture in the heart of Kuching City.

For more information, visit https://aboutkuching.com/