KOTA KINABALU, Sabah: Grassroots artists and creative collectives from across Borneo will converge here for ‘Berkumpul Borneo’, a three-day programme under the Borneo Creative and Culture District (BCCD) 2025.
The event, to be held at the Sabah Heritage Village (Phase II), Sabah Museum from November 21 to 23, will run from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm and is open to the public for free.
Borneo Bengkel, in a statement, said that they, in collaboration with Sabahan art collective, Pangrok Sulap, have been appointed as strategic partners to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) and National Visual Arts Board to curate the programme, which for the first time brings together creative hubs from Brunei, Kalimantan, Sabah and Sarawak.
“Berkumpul Borneo forms a key community-focused highlight of the wider BCCD 2025 event, an initiative celebrating the rich cultural ecosystems and artistic innovation across Borneo,” they said.
The participating groups for the programme are Ruang Tamu Ekosistem (Sabah), HAUS KCH (Sarawak), Emehdeyeh and Susur Galur (Kalimantan) and Minority Agenda and Kitani Kreatif (Brunei).
Activities will include a mini exhibition, workshops, demonstrations and community-led engagements.
Borneo Bengkel co-curator Catriona Maddocks said that the gathering will be offering a rare platform for creatives to learn from one another.
“We’re really excited for this chance to bring together creatives from across the island. It’s not often we get to see so many brilliant grassroots movements in one place,” she said.
She added that ‘Berkumpul Borneo’ is an opportunity to highlight the vibrancy of the region’s emerging art scene.
Meanwhile, Pangrok Sulap member, Adi HJ, said that the programme would help strengthen connections among regional artists.
“We’re looking forward to hosting creatives from Brunei, Kalimantan, Sarawak and Sabah all in one place,” he said, adding that the collaboration would inspire new ideas and partnerships.
He said that the programme underscores the possibilities that emerge when Bornean artists work collectively.
The BCCD programme is organised by MOTAC Sabah, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS), National Art Gallery, Sabah Art Gallery, Sabah Museum, National Arts and Culture Department (JKKN), Tourism Malaysia, Kraftangan Malaysia, along with strategic partners from the local creative industry.
The initiative celebrates Borneo’s vibrant cultural landscape through exhibitions, showcases, performances, forums and community events across Kota Kinabalu.
