MEDIA RELEASE Embargoed Until 13 Oct 2014, 8.30Pm a CULTURE
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A Heritage Institution of MEDIA RELEASE Embargoed until 13 Oct 2014, 8.30pm A CULTURE FEAST FOR THE SENSES Exciting array of local and regional presentations at the Malay Heritage Centre’s special exhibition Budi Daya and 2014’s Malay CultureFest Singapore, 13 October 2014 – This October, immerse yourself in the length and depth of Malay culture, both traditional and contemporary, as the Malay Heritage Centre (MHC) presents a brand new special exhibition, Budi Daya, and the third annual Malay CultureFest. Aligned to the Centre’s overarching theme for 2014 - “Nilai” or “Values”, both the exhibition and the festival are a vibrant expression of Malay culture and its ideals, as seen throughout the Southeast Asian region. 2 For a more dynamic and diverse expression of the Malay arts, culture and the Malay community itself, both the exhibition and festival feature visual and performing artists from Singapore and the region, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam. Budi Daya and the Malay CultureFest will be officially launched by Mr Lawrence Wong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, on Monday 13 October 2014, 8.30pm. Please refer to Annex A for a calendar of events and details on the launch. Budi Daya – the embodiment and expression of Malay culture 3 Budi Daya is the first exhibition at MHC to offer a multi-pronged presentation of historical artefacts, contemporary artworks and “living culture” programmes, in its aim to explore the value and meaning of ‘culture’ from the Malay perspective. The exhibition, which reflects the connection between traditional and contemporary, also showcases the dynamics between aesthetics of Malay craftsmanship and the vibrant, energetic expressions of contemporary artists from around the region. It is MHC’s third special exhibition since the Centre’s re-opening in September 2012. 4 This multi-layered show will feature 19 artists and 57 artefacts drawn from the National Collection and private loans, including 18 new commissions, and existing works by artists from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam. The contemporary artworks consist of art forms including paintings, sculptures, installations, embroidery, performance, architecture and video art. Highlights include a community project by Kelantanese artist Roslisham Ismail@ISE who will engage local communities in appreciating the hidden histories and traditional knowledge behind much- loved cuisine; and a mixed-media installation and performance by Singapore artists, Rizman Putra and Safuan Johari, which are based on the eclectic musical influence of NADA, the pop band that came to fame in the 1970s. 5 Visitors can also look forward to artefacts, such as an ornate, carved wooden “lunch-box”, and tackle-box, used as daily equipment by fishermen from the East Coast of the Malay Peninsula, as well as unusual sets of the quintessential tepak sirih (Malay set of receptacles and implements used in the betel-chewing custom) from Sumatra and the Philippines. Together, artefacts and artworks portray the intellectual and passionate facets of Malay cultural aesthetics. 6 Budi Daya runs from 13 October 2014 to 29 March 2015. Please refer to Annex B for more information on the exhibition and programming. Malay CultureFest 2014 7 Similarly, the Malay CultureFest sees a wider and longer-term engagement with Malay artists and arts groups, and includes a multitude of Malay cultural expressions, ranging from performances to talks and workshops – all selected for their rootedness in traditions and awareness of the contemporary landscape. 8 Festival highlights include Nan Jombang, a dance troupe from Sumatra, Indonesia, presenting an energetic contemporary version of the randai; a unique Star Wars-inspired performance of Fusion Wayang Kulit, which will be performed for the first time in Singapore; and a ghazal recital by a collaboration of musicians from Singapore and Malaysia. 9. The Malay CultureFest is held over three weeks (Tuesday to Sunday) from 13 October to 2 November. Please refer to Annex C for festival line-ups. - END – About the Malay Heritage Centre Officially re-opened by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in September 2012, the Malay Heritage Centre (MHC) showcases the history, culture and contributions of the Malay community within the context of Singapore’s history and multi-cultural society. MHC’s permanent galleries focus on the history of Kampong Gelam and showcase an interesting collection of artefacts from the National Collection and the Malay community. Through its exhibitions and programmes, the Centre aspires to be a vibrant destination of historical and cultural significance for both Singaporeans and international visitors. MHC is under the management of the National Heritage Board in partnership with the Malay Heritage Foundation. About the National Heritage Board The National Heritage Board (NHB) was formed on 1 August 1993. Its mission is to foster nationhood, promote identity building, and champion the development of a vibrant cultural and heritage sector in Singapore. As the custodian of Singapore’s heritage, NHB is responsible for telling the Singapore story, sharing the Singaporean experience and imparting our Singapore spirit. NHB manages the national museums, heritage institutions, the Language Councils Secretariat and sets policies relating to heritage sites, monuments and the national collection. Through the national collection, NHB curates heritage programmes and presents exhibitions to connect the past, present and future generations of Singaporeans. NHB is a statutory board under the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth. Please visit www.nhb.gov.sg for more information. About the Malay Heritage Foundation The Malay Heritage Foundation was established on 28 July 1999 to promote the study and research, and the public’s understanding and knowledge of, the historical and socio-cultural development of the Malay community in Singapore through the Malay Heritage Centre and other relevant means. Since its inception, it has worked with various segments of the Malay and Singapore community, government agencies, philanthropists and entrepreneurs to further its cause. For media queries, please contact: Sharon Cheong Elizabeth Tang DID: 6332 5401 DID: 6332 3921 Mobile: 9321 9455 Mobile: 9176 9182 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Annex A Calendar of Events A quick look at important events for Budi Daya and highlights of the Malay CultureFest. All events are open to media. Date Event Details Mon, 13 Oct 2014 Media Preview of Media event – a briefing of Malay Budi Daya CultureFest and Budi Daya, an Media registration advanced tour of the exhibition, meet the 7.30pm curators, artists & performers 8.30pm Launch of Budi The launch of Budi Daya and the Malay Daya and Malay CultureFest 2014 will be officiated by Mr CultureFest Lawrence Wong, Minister/MCCY. Performances Photo Opportunities of GOH with the The Drums of the welcome procession, at the launch of the Nusantara Festival & exhibition, and during the guided tour of the exhibition. Ulek Mayang Nadi Singapura Fri & Sat, 17 & 18 Nan Jombang Media preview/Meet-the-performers Oct 2014 Showcase Thursday, 16 October 8.30pm 4.00pm Sat & Sun, 25 & 26 Cerita Hikayat Media preview/Meet-the-performers Oct 2014 Agus Nur Amal & Wayang Beber Wednesday,22 October 8pm 7.00pm Fri & Sat, 31 Oct & Fusion Wayang Media preview/Meet-the-performers 1 Nov 2014 Kulit Thursday, 30 October 8.30pm 4.00pm Sun, 2 Nov 2014 Ghazal of The Media preview/Meet-the-performers Ocean of Love 8.30pm Fri, 31 October 7.00pm Annex B About Budi Daya 13 October 2014 – 29 March 2015 Tuesdays – Sundays: 10.00am – 6.00pm Last entry at 5.30pm (Closed on Mondays) Galleries 1 & 2, Courtyards 1 & 2 Free Showcasing artefacts alongside contemporary art, Budi Daya explores the value and meaning of ‘culture’ from the Malay perspective. This multi-layered, exhibition features 57 artefacts drawn from the National Collection and private loans as well as 18 new commissions, performances and existing works by artists from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam. Budaya, the Malay word for ‘culture’, extends into the concepts of budi and daya as expressed in the exhibition title. Budi originates from the Sanskrit buddhi, meaning ‘intellect’ or ‘wisdom’, but when adapted into the Malay language, it has expanded to include ‘ethics’ and ‘graciousness’. Daya refers to a person or community’s abilities, skills and capacities. Taken together, they express the notion of enacting budi in thought, emotion, speech and conduct which are held up as prized virtues. Curators’ Tour 24 October & 21 November 2014 7.30pm - 8.30pm 24 January 2015 7.00pm and 9.00pm Galleries 1 and 2 Free Admission Join us for after-hours tours as Budi Daya curators introduce the different artefacts and contemporary artworks in the exploration of the value and meaning of ‘culture’ from the Malay perspective. To register, please call 6391 0450 or email [email protected]. Special Programmes Public Lecture Series – Understanding the Notion of “Budi” in Malay Culture: What It Means and Why It Matters? Saturday, 18 October 2.00pm – 3.30pm Auditorium Speaker: Professor Dr Lim Kim Hui, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Seoul In conjunction with Budi Daya exhibition A culture is a social system that shares a set of common values. It influences our expectations of what is appropriate or inappropriate. Whereas some values can be considered universal, other values are considered culture- dependent. In the context of Malay culture, one of the key common values is the notion known as “budi”. This lecture tries to address the notion of “budi” and why it matters in our society. Among the issues discussed are “budi and skill”, “budi and success” and “budi as moral and/or intellectual virtues”. Pusaka Cleansing Demo Saturday, 25 October 2.00pm – 6.00pm Lawn Pusaka are treasured heirlooms that are passed down through generations. To care for these old artefacts can be a trying task for those unfamiliar with the processes and materials.