KUCHING: The city became a vibrant canvas for a unique batik colouring competition aimed at elevating Sarawak’s traditional and local motifs within the Malaysian batik landscape.
Organised by Anjung Karyawan Seni Sarawak (AKAR Seni), in collaboration with Sarawak Arts Council (SAC) through its ‘Galakan Seni’ grant, the event brought together over 48 participants across 12 groups, ranging from local universities, schools, arts’ clubs, NGOs and even international schools.
Unlike traditional batik-making, this event focused on the colouring of pre-canting batik pieces, allowing participants to express their creativity through colour while promoting the rich visual language of Sarawak’s heritage.
AKAR Seni’s Deputy President, Sahminan Sirat, said this move strategically targets greater accessibility and inclusivity, especially among the younger generation.
“We want to breathe new life into batik in Sarawak by highlighting traditional and local motifs unique to our State.
“This is not just about art; it’s about identity, economic opportunity, and cultural diplomacy,” he said when met at the inaugural batik colouring showcase, a strategic step to revive Sarawak’s traditional art in modern Malaysia.
To elevate the artistic and educational value of the programme, the event was supported by Dr Ashari Hamdan, former lecturer at the University of Wimbledon (California campus, based in Kuala Lumpur), who now serves as a batik adviser to AKAR Seni as well as Jamel Nusi and a batik expert, Nur Halis Isa Mohd Ali, from Kraftangan Malaysia, who was also present as a judge and mentor to participants.
Participants were invited to colour on pre-drawn batik outlines prepared by AKAR Seni, with each group given the freedom to explore their own colour palettes and storytelling through art.
Winners were selected based on artistic merit, creativity and cultural relevance, with cash awards and consolation prizes given to acknowledge their contributions.
“Some of the artworks may be offered for charity sales or public purchase, reflecting the event’s potential to grow into a sustainable arts-based social enterprise. Our aim is not only to create, but also to build an ecosystem for batik and other traditional arts,” said Sahminan.
He added, the event was part of a wider programme by AKAR Seni, which includes classes in watercolour, acrylic, pastel, and oil painting, along with traditional performing arts such as silat, music, theatre, and crafts.
“These classes often attract international visitors and art enthusiasts, contributing to the growing recognition of Sarawak’s cultural capital. I believe this programme marks a starting point for future batik-related activities, exhibitions and workshops.
“We hope the SAC and other cultural bodies will continue supporting initiatives like this, especially as we see increasing interest from both locals and international communities.
“As Kuching begins to emerge as a hub for visual and performing arts in East Malaysia, efforts like this serve as a bridge between heritage and innovation, and a catalyst for the next generation of Sarawakian artists,” he said.
