YSDAF 2026 Satellite returns with immersive community arts showcase

The Yayasan Sime Darby Arts Festival (YSDAF) continues its community-driven arts legacy with a one-day satellite event set for April 5, 2026, at The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac). Designed as a condensed extension of the biennial festival, YSDAF 2026 Satellite will spotlight two key programmes, blending inclusive performance with hands-on creativity.

The event builds on the success of YSDAF 2025, which marked a decade of arts outreach through a nationwide tour. This year’s satellite edition aims to sustain that momentum by offering accessible and participatory experiences that bring diverse communities together through artistic expression.

Inclusive arts Initiative takes centre stage

A highlight of the programme is “Synesthetic Symphony of Sound & Sight,” an innovative multi-sensory performance rooted in inclusivity and collaboration. Developed through a partnership between the Malaysian Association for the Blind, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, and Persatuan Hearts Symphony, the initiative explores the intersection of sound, touch and visual art among individuals who are blind or have low vision.

The performance, scheduled at 11.00am and 2.00pm at Pentas 2, will feature seven newly trained artists alongside two returning participants painting live in synchrony with an ensemble of musicians and singers. The group includes blind performers as well as children from marginalised communities, presenting a layered artistic experience guided by conductor Frederick Chaw.

Central to the showcase is the use of tactile paint, a specially designed medium embedded with materials such as green beans, cocopeat and perlite to help artists distinguish colours through touch. This innovation, co-developed with the artists themselves, represents a significant step in expanding access to visual arts.

The session will also include performances of “Colours of My Heart” and traditional songs in the Jahai language, underscoring Malaysia’s cultural diversity. A forum and Q&A session following the second performance will provide deeper insights into the creative process and community impact. The launch of the Arti.Sense Tactile Paint Kits, aimed at special education institutions, further reinforces the initiative’s long-term outreach goals.

Hands-on creativity through community workshops

Complementing the performance is the Handyzone, running from 11.00am to 4.00pm, featuring eight interactive booths hosted by local creative enterprises. Visitors can engage in a variety of workshops, from sustainable crafts with Precious Plastic Malaysia to educational activities by Fun4Kids and creative sessions by Terrarium Garden Malaysia.

While pre-registration is required for selected workshops, walk-in opportunities and all-day activities ensure broader participation. Attendees are also encouraged to bring their own cotton T-shirts or tote bags to create personalised YSDAF souvenirs through on-site screen printing.

Presented by Yayasan Sime Darby and klpac, the event is supported by key corporate partners and receives backing from the MADANI Government under Belanjawan 2025. Admission is free, with prior registration required for performances and workshops.

For details and registration, visit: https://www.cloudjoi.com