Sarawak all set for London Craft Week 2023
Sarawak is all set to display its exceptional crafts and rich cultural heritage to the world at London Craft Week 2023 following Malaysia’s participation under the patronage of Her Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.
BorneoTalk is proud to be part of this prestigious event through the Sarawak Handicraft: A Sustainable Living Art brochure, which features BorneoTalk’s own words, design and photos. The 16-page brochure runs through Sarawak’s remarkable crafts, each of which tells a story of the state’s intangible cultural history. The brochure will be distributed throughout London Craft Week.
Happening from 6th to 14th May 2023, the event aims to promote Malaysia’s diverse crafts, including a range of Sarawakian crafts emblematic of the state’s unique heritage. Sarawakian artisans, Shirley Vilin, Ros binti Salleh, Senia anak Jugi and Helena David Kalum will be given the opportunity to showcase their skills to an international audience, with live demonstrations of Keringkam embroidery, Pua Kumbu weaving, handwoven crafts and basketry, as well as beadwork.
To be held at the Malaysian Hall at The Malaysian High Commission in London, United Kingdom, London Craft Week 2023 is expected to attract over 3,000 international visitors, increasing Sarawak’s visibility and showcasing its distinct crafts and cultural heritage to the world, which is aligned with Her Majesty SPB Raja Permaisuri Agong’s vision to tell the stories of the Malaysian people through the language of craft. Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari bin Tun Openg will be leading the delegation.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said, “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase Sarawak’s crafts to an international audience. The patronage of Her Majesty SPB Raja Permaisuri Agong has given our talented artisans the chance to demonstrate their skills and raise awareness of Sarawak’s distinctive identity. This event aligns with our efforts to promote Sarawak’s capital city Kuching as a ‘World Craft City, a title awarded by the International World Craft Council in 2019.”
“Sarawak’s crafts are truly unique in the world due to the skilled craftsmanship of its artisans and their mastery of both conventional and contemporary techniques, and it’s important that we maintain the visibility of their custodians such as the artisans you will see during London Craft Week to keep promoting a deeper appreciation of Sarawak’s cultural heritage, both on the international and domestic platform.”
