Penang’s DDJ.Co: A hub for diverse artistic expression

Amidst Penang‘s heritage-rich streets and bustling contemporary life, a group of six passionate artists has come together as the Dabble Dabble Jer Collective (DDJ.Co) to create a space that celebrates diverse artistic expression and fosters social dialogue.

The DDJ.Co, founded in December 2022, has quickly become a force to be reckoned with in the local art scene, not only captivating audiences with their unique productions but also fostering inclusivity and community engagement.

DDJ.Co explores diverse perspectives

The story of DDJ.Co begins with six individuals – Miriam Devaprasana, Bernardine Abeysekra, Charity Yong, Darynn Wee, Justin Khaw, and Ysabel Loh – each with distinct artistic backgrounds and a common passion for the transformative power of the arts.

This collective vision, however, extends beyond individual talents. DDJ.Co aims to create a platform for diverse perspectives to flourish, fostering a vibrant community where artists, musicians, performers, and creatives of all walks of life can come together and share their unique voices.

“At DDJ.Co, we are particularly interested in exploring diverse perspectives in arts, culture, and heritage,” explains Miriam Devaprasana, a founding member.

“We delve into themes surrounding identity, sociocultural constructs, and narratives that push boundaries and challenge the norm.”

This dedication to exploring the complexities of human experience and society is evident in their productions, which often spark thought-provoking conversations and encourage audiences to see the world through a different lens.

Beyond fostering inclusivity within their collective, DDJ.Co actively seeks collaboration with new artists and extends an open invitation to individuals interested in pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.

“From devising to producing,” says Devaprasana, “we encourage interested parties to collaborate with us on experimental works across disciplines and frameworks.”

This commitment to collaboration fosters a dynamic and ever-evolving creative environment where diverse perspectives can converge and transform into innovative and thought-provoking artistic endeavours.

Collective aims to challenge norms 

DDJ.Co’s artistic portfolio showcases their commitment to both artistic excellence and social impact.

Their recent event, “Readings at Tanjong: Gongxi Gongxi!”, held during the Penang Miaohui celebrations, resonated with the spirit of traditional storytelling gatherings.

This event offered a platform for poets and writers from DDJ.Co to share their work with the public, creating a space for cultural exchange and celebrating the power of shared narratives.

The collective’s current projects further exemplify their versatility and commitment to pushing creative boundaries.

They are actively involved in developing theatre productions, experimental music performances, and a series of community-oriented arts events.

“We are particularly interested in narratives that push boundaries and interrogate our ever-evolving environs,” says Miriam.

“Through collaborative and experimental works across disciplines, we hope to challenge norms in ways that resonate with people on a different level.”

More than just an art collective, DDJ.Co stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, inclusivity, and artistic exploration in creating positive social change.

Their dedication to fostering a vibrant space for diverse artistic expression, combined with their commitment to community engagement and social impact, makes them a pivotal force in Penang’s cultural landscape.

As they continue to forge ahead, DDJ.Co is poised to leave an indelible mark on the local art scene and inspire others to embrace the transformative power of artistic expression.