The Ipoh International Art Festival set to take centre stage

Following its official designation as a UNESCO ‘City of Music‘ on Oct 31, Ipoh takes centre stage with the Ipoh International Art Festival 2023 (IIAF).

Organised by arts collective PORT (People of Remarkable Talents) in collaboration with key partners, the festival is set to showcase the creative prowess of Ipoh.

Free to attend, the IIAF, now in its third edition, kicks off with a vibrant arts programme spanning various locations, including PORT, Ipoh Padang, and Silveritage, from Dec 2 to 12.

Exciting array of art activities

The Ipoh International Art Festival 2023, in collaboration with the National Art Gallery, Ipoh City Council, Maju Perak Holdings, and Tourism Perak, promises an exciting array of activities.

Nur Hanim Mohamed Khairuddin, General Manager of PORT, highlighted the diverse offerings, including art exhibitions, workshops, forums, a fashion show, and a concert.

Notable activities include the visual art exhibition ‘Marcapada: The World Today,’ the light mapping exhibition ‘Terang,’ and the literary journey exhibition ‘Transpacific: An Asian-Canada Literary Journey.’

The festival’s central theme, “MARCAPADA: The World Today,” brings together over 100 visual artists, both local and international, for a dynamic 10-day celebration.

The festival will encompass a contemporary art exhibition, concerts, performance art shows, experimental music, film screenings, literary workshops, forums, and events dedicated to the Orang Asli community.

Ipoh Padang to come alive every night

The festival’s primary locations, including PORT, Ipoh Padang, and Bazar Ipoh (Silveritage), will host a multitude of events.

The main art exhibition, “MARCAPADA: The World Today,” featuring acclaimed artists and collectives like Wong Hoy Cheong, Azizan Paiman, Saiful Razman, Stefano Cagol (Italy), Patani Artspace (Thailand), Malaikat (Indonesia), Projek Rabak, Terang, Suzy Sulaiman, Anniketyni Madian, Kamal Sabran, and Finn Anuar, will be open daily at Bazar Ipoh.

Beyond visual arts, the Ipoh Padang will come alive every night with the Filamen-produced projection mapping series, “Terang,” showcasing regional multimedia artists.

Additionally, the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia will take place at PORT on Dec 8, offering cinephiles a cinematic experience. The MARCAPADA Fashion Night on Dec 9 at Bazar Ipoh will feature the avant-garde stylings of Space Gambus Experiment.

The Ipoh International Art Festival 2023 promises a captivating cultural experience for both locals and visitors. With a dynamic blend of visual arts, music, literature, and film, the festival encapsulates Ipoh’s vibrant creative spirit.

The opening ceremony, expected to be officiated by Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad at Silveritage on Dec 2, marks the commencement of a 10-day celebration.

As Ipoh shines as a UNESCO ‘City of Music,’ the IIAF serves as a testament to the city’s artistic diversity and its commitment to fostering a thriving cultural community.