KUALA LUMPUR, 4 September 2024 – Prepare to explore Downtown Kuala Lumpur as the inaugural Kreatif KL Festival ignite’s the city’s historic core with history, architecture, communities and culture. Presented by DBKL and Think City, with support from the Ministry of Finance, this three-month-long festival promises over 100 vibrant events, from exhibitions, public art installations, fashion, performances to interactive tours and culinary experiences, all set against the backdrop of the city’s rich heritage.
Headline events include the KALAM Confluence of Writers and Ideas Membaur Bahasa Ideas, Pentas Seni Merdeka, the Indian Ocean Craft Triennial Companion Show 2024, and the World Premiere of Seka-Seka. The festival will also highlight renowned filmmakers Tan Chui Mui and Amir Muhammad, installation works by Najib Bamadhaj, Fritilldea, Suzy Sulaiman, and Bono Stellar, as well as exhibitions curated by fashion icons Dato’ Sri Bernard Chandran and Datuk Radzuan Radziwill. Talks by classical dancer Mavin Khoo, Michelin-starred chef Jimmy Ophorst, performance by Cambodian spoken word poet Kosal Khiev, and an exhibition by heritage expert John Ang will be featured as well. The festival also welcomes an Indonesian delegation, including renowned dance master Eko Supriyanto, visual artists A Sebastianus and Mulyana, and celebrated poet Goenawan Mohamad. Designed to offer something for everyone, the festival includes a wide range of activities for all ages.
Kreatif KL Festival is more than just an event-it’s a movement to rediscover and reimage Downtown Kuala Lumpur. By inviting visitors to explore hidden gems and engage with the city’s history, the festival aims to place Downtown Kuala Lumpur on the global stage as a vibrant cultural destination.
Whether through large-scale installations or intimate performances, Kreatif KL Festival fosters a fresh perspective on the city’s spaces and stories, blending the old with the new. The festival encourages Malaysians and visitors to connect with the city’s cultural tapestry, ensuring Downtown Kuala Lumpur remains a liveable and loveable destination.
By featuring a diverse array of creative and cultural talents in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Kreatif KL embodies Malaysia’s spirit of place acting as a platform for creative exchange, allowing for a collaborative environment that reflects the vibrancy of the nation’s cultural scene. It’s an invitation to all Malaysians to contribute to the evolving narrative of their city.
The festival events will activate several key precincts including the Civic Precinct (Dataran Merdeka Heritage Area, Panggung Bandaraya), Traditional Shopping Precinct (Semua House), Heritage Triangle Precinct (Jalan Tun HS Lee, Jalan Tun Perak, Medan Pasar, Central Market), Petaling Street Area (Kwai Chai Hong), and Merdeka 118 Area (Kampung Attap).
Some of the must-see events include Arts On The Move at Masjid Jamek LRT and Pasar Seni MRT stations, Kwai Chai Hong’s Mid-Autumn art installation and activations themed “Drama Queen,” A Food Affair talks by KITA Food Festival at Toffee, PESZTA at Kampung Attap, Immersio at GMBB, KA.IN Festival at Semua House, a Cultural Art Showcase and Bazaar by Maybank Foundation, the Hasanah Gold Threads Awards at Rumah Tangsi, weekend marketplaces at Central Market, and much more.
Kreatif KL Festival is part of the city’s commitment to identifying, supporting, and celebrating creative talent from Malaysia and the region, while highlighting the architectural and historical significance of its buildings and sites. Curated by Think City and shaped by the Kreatif KL Advisory Committee, the event is designed to ensure meaningful engagement with all visitors, making it a key fixture in Downtown Kuala Lumpur’s annual cultural calendar.
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to experience Kuala Lumpur’s rich cultural tapestry. For the full programme and event details, visit kreatifkl.com starting 5 September 2024.
