MIRI: The Sarawak State Library (Pustaka), Miri will host the Sarawakiana Festival from Nov 2 to 5, with a focus on sharing the rich textile heritage of the diverse ethnic groups in Sarawak.
In a press statement issued on today (Oct 27), the festival, themed ‘Sarawak Textile Heritage’, encompasses various elements related to the traditional textile heritage of various ethnic groups in Sarawak, including cultural significance, traditional textile techniques, designs and patterns, community traditions, preservation and conservation, economic and tourism opportunities, innovation, and more.
“The main objective of this festival is to promote the role of Pustaka and its partners as drivers of lifelong learning and to encourage the development of the tourism industry in the northern region of Sarawak.
“Additionally, the festival serves as a continuous effort to preserve and uphold sociocultural sustainability in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 2030) and Post-Covid Development Strategies (PCDS) 2030,” according to the press statement.
The four-day festival will feature exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations, and forums led by researchers and textile heritage craft enthusiasts from Sarawak, including Neng Kho Razali, a Sarawak fashion designer, Paulus Balan from the Saban Sarawak Association, Datin Sri Melia Gelen, D’Melya Pua Kumbu, Dr Bell Su’ut, the Lun Bawang Sarawak Association, Laeng Kuley, the Tering Miri Community Association, Henry Christopher Diri, Jaringan Pemerkasaan Penan Baram Association (PENA), Dr Shaik Azahari Shaik Hussain and Dr Faridah Shari from the Faculty of Creative Arts, Unimas, and Terry Justin Dit from Curtin University Malaysia.
“Among the workshops conducted are simo embroidery by Maria Petros, cabut embroidery by Norarifin Ahmad, D’Jejari Emas Bridal, burie’ fabric workshop by Landik Co, talun clothing workshop by PENA and the Tering Miri Community Association, Lun Bawang clothing workshop by Jane Liong Pudun, Melanau clothing workshop by Jaiman Katekand Corolina Panee, contemporary batik motif workshop by Stanley Wan of Kaneth Legacy, and linut batik workshop by Batik Linut Sdn Bhd.”
Furthermore, there will be craft exhibitions and sales, dance performances, music and songs by Sarawak’s diverse artists, competitions, traditional games, storytelling sessions, information literacy quizzes, and traditional Sarawakian food stalls.
More information about the activities can be found at https://linktr.ee/Tsmiri2022
