BARIO: Deep in the Kelabit highlands, a young artist’s vision has sparked a creative movement, empowering rural youth through the arts.
A Master’s student in Fine Arts from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Nur Aimi Athirah Abdul Aziz, spearheaded the MUDAarts programme to cultivate artistic talents and entrepreneurship among Bario’s youth and community members.
The two-day initiative, held at the Bario Community Hall, was not just an arts programme but a call to action, urging young minds to embrace creativity as a tool for self-expression and economic opportunity.
Supported by the Sarawak Youth Creative Industry Fund (SYCIF) under the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, MUDAarts introduced three main components: MudaCatan (watercolour painting), MudaFoto (photography) and MudaMural (collaborative mural painting).
Nur Aimi Athirah’s dedication to rural artistic development was evident in every aspect of the programme.
“MUDAarts Programme was designed to empower rural youth in visual arts, photography, and murals as tools for communication, cultural identity, and entrepreneurship.
“Through MudaCatan, MudaFoto and MudaMural, I hope participants will gain knowledge and harness the potential of art to generate income.
“I also appreciate the positive response and believe that art plays a significant role in community development,” she said in her closing speech at the event recently.
Her efforts were bolstered by the guidance of lecturers of the faculty; Doris Maying, Dr Hishamuddin Siri, Awangko’ Hamdan Awang Arshad, and Sylvester Wielding Jussem.
MUDAarts attracted a diverse range of participants, from school students and local youth to homestay operators and craft entrepreneurs, all eager to explore the transformative power of the arts.
Workshops and sharing sessions were designed not only to refine artistic skills but also to position art as a viable career path.
MudaCatan, led by Sylvester Wielding Jussem, a visual artist known for his rich cultural narratives, introduced participants to watercolour techniques, while MudaFoto, conducted by Dr Hishamuddin Siri, provided hands-on training in smartphone photography, emphasising digital tools for promoting local crafts and tourism.
A highlight of the programme was MudaMural, which saw youth and community members come together to create a mural at Lepo RURUM (Teripun).
The artwork, rich with Kelabit cultural symbols, became a testament to the community’s artistic heritage and collective spirit.
The significance of MUDAarts was further highlighted by the presence of Mulu assemblyman and Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration & Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala.
Witnessing the mural’s completion, he praised the initiative for its role in fostering creativity among rural youth.
“Rural youth, particularly in Bario, should take advantage of such programmes to advance themselves and contribute to the local development,” he said.
To mark his support, Nur Aimi Athirah presented Gerawat with a commemorative artwork, symbolising the community’s gratitude for his encouragement of youth development initiatives.
The closing ceremony, attended by UNIMAS Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts Dean Dr Ringah Kanyan, Deputy Dean of Industry and Community Engagement Dr Hakimi Halim, and Kelabit Pemanca Celena Pasang, was a moment of reflection and celebration.
Speaking during the event, Dr Ringah expressed hope that the initiative by Aimi would inspire the youth and community in Bario to harness creativity and the arts.
He also took the opportunity to encourage young people to think ahead and pursue higher education, noting that UNIMAS had been established in Sarawak since 1992, providing higher education opportunities for Sarawakian youngsters.
In addition to the Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts at UNIMAS and the youth of Bario, the programme also received collaborative support from Semarak Kreatif Sdn Bhd, AR Printing Services, Jati Tugau Production, Lupong Homes, and the RURUM Kelabit Association of Sarawak.
With strong community participation and institutional backing, MUDAarts has set a precedent for rural art empowerment in Sarawak.
