A unique artistic event, encompassing music, art and style (fashion), designed to commemorate a very special day in Malaysian history, whilst providing talented performers, artists and designers a platform to Shine.
Kuala Lumpur, 16 June 2011: Today celebrates the launch of an event that is truly and uniquely Malaysian – MASiF 2011 (Music, Arts, Style and International Festival). Held at the prestigious Malaysian Petroleum Club on the 42nd Floor, Tower 2 of the Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur, the event, taking place for the 2nd year running, was attended by MASiF’s sponsors, business partners and distinguished personalities from Malaysia’s creative arts industry.
The launch commenced with a visual display of MASiF 2010, followed by guests being familiarised with MASiF 2011 and the countdown towards the prestigious event, simply entitled “Road to MASiF”. A performance by local gambus player, Fauziah Suhaili aka Fauziah Gambus, renowned watercolourist Ismail Kadir, and a mini fashion show by participating MASiF designers, Cosry, Von Jolly and Merlee Shariff also set the mood and provided attendees with a taste of what to expect with MASiF 2011. A unique event specially crafted for a historical day i.e. 1 Malaysia Day, to commemorate the richness of music, arts and style (fashion) diversities in Malaysia, the uniqueness of MASiF is its concept that transcends and synchronises three genres of art (fine arts, performing arts and fashion), fused together into a masterpiece on one stage over a period of 3 days.
“The contemporary world is filled with an upcoming generation that is embedded and emblazoned with ground breaking, inventive, intuitive and creative minds across all sectors. It is from this viewpoint that we sought to establish a platform for young Malaysian talent to showcase to the public their unique, individual skills in the various arts that comprise music, art and style”, said Ir. Adam Salim, President of MASiF.
MASiF was initiated in 2010 as a platform for Malaysian creativity and innovation, designed to be an event where young talent could let loose and show their abilities to the community, and at the same time, give them a platform to propel themselves onto the world stage to demonstrate their artistic abilities and creativity to the world.
“Last year, the event was supported and officiated by the Malaysian Prime Minister, Dato’ Sri Najib Tun Razak, which reinforced the contribution that MASiF made to the personal and professional development of young talent. With this in mind, our goal for 2011 is to continue supporting these individuals through several programmes collectively termed as the ‘Road to MASiF’”, added Ir. Adam Salim.
The ‘Road to MASiF’ programme is designed to provide individuals with an opportunity to participate in a series of activities such as a photography competition, a poster design competition, and a bowling tournament – in a bid to unleash creativity and further enrich the spirit of patriotism and community amongst Malaysians of all races.
The photography competition, kicked off on 1 June 2011 will end its run on 31 July 2011. Leveraging on the 1Malaysia concept, submitted entries are required to have a 1 Malaysia element, which can range from individuals, groups, locations, cultures or customs that reflect the harmony of Malaysia and the spirit of 1Malaysia. A strong and clear visual message is imperative, and winners of the three (3) categories – All Malaysians; Students; and Foreigners – will be able to take home with them prize money worth RM10,000 (All Malaysians) and RM5,000 (Students & Foreigners) respectively.
The poster design competition was also kicked off on 1 June 2011 and will end its course on 31 August 2011. Specifically targeting the youth, with a focus on 1Malaysia as well, shortlisted candidates will see their designs featured in Don’t Panic packs that will be distributed throughout universities and colleges in Malaysia and around the world. The winning artwork will be featured in the Petronas Gallery for a total of 2 weeks, where it will be stand proud amongst other featured artworks from local and international talents.
The bowling competition, on the other hand, will be held at Ampang Superbowl, Ampang Point on 9 July 2011, where a maximum number of 90 teams will battle it out prize money and hampers worth RM1,500 (1st Place), RM1,000 (2nd Place), RM700 (3rd Place) and RM300 (4th Place) respectively.
Come 11 September 2011, a few days before MASiF 2011 is open to the public, a series of on-ground activities organised by Don’t Panic, entitled ‘INVSN’ will swarm designated locations within the City Centre to create excitement and generate additional awareness on the event. Guerilla pop-up stores at strategic touch points around the City Centre will feature workshops on music, arts and fashion, providing city dwellers with little-known-facts and allowing them to find interesting locations, specialty stores, guides to the best bargains and a lot more.
This year, MASiF will be held in Suria KLCC Concourse in conjunction with Malaysia Day. The three day event will kick off on 15 September 2011 with “Lets MASiF”, where current hip-happenings in the world of contemporary music art and style will be highlighted through display, performance, and interactive opportunity. Day two, entitled “One MASiF”, will showcase Islamic, Environmental and Nationalistic content, touching on the rich diversity of Malaysian culture, along with a deeper understanding of working within the environment. The finale, to be held on 17 September 2011 is entitled “Massive MASiF”, and will feature successful international Malaysians and select regional artists, singers, musicians and designers sharing their inner passion to tantalise creative cravings.
“In the long run, we want MASiF to be synonymous with 1 Malaysia Day and be the starting point to drive international recognition for Malaysian talent. At the same time, we’re keen to work hand in hand with the government, and relevant partners to achieve the ultimate goal – increased tourism – as international travellers desire and seek to discover more about Malaysia. I also believe that having this event in conjunction with 1 Malaysia Day will encourage Malaysians to celebrate the rich diversity of culture through unity, commemorating the creation of the Malaysian Federation, through showcasing of their talent to the world”, concluded Ir. Adam Salim.
In addition to these three days, MASiF will also be holding other exciting events and activities over the same time. At the KLCC Esplanade, youth activities, cultural shows, street performances and the like will enthrall attendees over the three days, giving them a rounded, more interactive opportunity with the arts in general. Between 15 - 25 September 2011, at the Petronas Gallery, there will be an art exhibition featuring art work, photography, sculpture and illustration all resultant from the participants in MASiF 2011. Workshops and seminars related to the arts will also be available for the public to participate in, contribute to, and broaden their understanding.
Individuals who wish to find out more about or participate in MASiF 2011 can do so by logging onto: www.masifestival.com. Together, let’s celebrate the new wave of creative talent to emerge out of MASiF 2011!
