State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah signing a plaque to launch the Sarawak Cultural Arts Awards in Kuching. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUCHING: Sarawak will honour outstanding arts and culture practitioners in the state with awards on Oct 22.
State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the Sarawak Cultural Arts Awards aimed to recognise individuals and organisations for their excellence and contribution to arts and culture in Sarawak.
"The awards also aim to produce more arts and culture practitioners and improve the standard of arts and cultural products," he told a press conference here on Monday (Oct 9).
Jointly organised by the ministry and state National Culture and Arts Department, the awards include the main Anugerah Tokoh Seni Budaya Sarawak and individual awards in the categories of dance, music, theatre, language, martial arts and traditional games.
Two awards will be given in the arts supporter category for non-governmental organisations and the media.
There will also be two special awards, the Anugerah Sri Apresiasi Seni Sarawak for arts and culture works on the concept of unity and the Anugerah Nilakandi Seni Sarawak to honour the legacy of cultural arts practitioners who have passed away.
Abdul Karim said 11 recipients in total will receive the awards from 53 nominations received from Sept 1 to Oct 7.
He said Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg was invited to be the guest of honour at the awards ceremony to be held at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly complex.
"The ceremony will feature performances by Sarawakian artists including Bob Yusof, Hafizuddin Jamaluddin and REM.
"The Sarawak Arts Council's Band Mitra and cultural troupes from the state National Culture and Arts Department will also perform on the night," he said.
The awards were last held in 2016 when sape musician Matthew Ngau Jau was recognised for his contribution to music.
