PUTRAJAYA: The National Arts Awards (ASN), the highest recognition for arts practitioners, contributors, and artists in Malaysia, will resume next year with nominations opening on Dec 18, according to the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry.
ASN is the Malaysian government's highest award to individuals for excellence and outstanding contributions in various artistic fields, including music, dance, acting, crafts and visual arts.
The ministry said in a statement on Friday (Dec 8) that the revival is an acknowledgment of the government's recognition of arts practitioners whose services, contributions and achievements play a vital role in shaping the Madani society.
The awards ceremony has seen eight editions: 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2009.
The highest honour it bestows is the National Artiste Award, given to a single recipient in each edition.
For the 2024 edition, nominations will be possible for three categories: the National Artiste Award (individual recipient), the Cultural Arts Awards, and an Additional Award.
The Cultural Arts Awards will cover five areas: Music, Dance, Drama, Crafts and Visual Arts.
The Additional Award category will see Supporter of the Arts awards given to media, corporate and NGO recipients.
"The ministry welcomes nominations from industry players, contributors and artists in the fields of music, dance, drama, crafts and visual arts for ASN 2024," the statement read.
It said winners will receive their awards at a special ceremony on Nov 13.
Each award includes RM60,000 cash, awards certificate, trophy, national attire and the opportunity to be a guest artist for the ministry, among others.
Winners will also receive incentives for creating works, first-class medical treatment in government hospitals, and access to government-owned public transportation facilities, the ministry said.
Nominations close on Feb 18. For more information, visit http://www.motac.gov.my.
Past recipients of the National Artiste Award include Tan Sri Datuk Dr Jins Shamsudin (Acting & Filmmaking), Tan Sri Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Nawab (Music), Abdul Rahman Abu Bakar (Traditional Theatre), Datuk Syed Alwi Syed Hassan (Theatre) and Khatijah Awang (Makyung Theatre).
Also honoured were Wan Su Othman (Visual Arts Carving), Datuk Syed Ahmad Syed Jamal (Visual Arts Painting) and Hamzah Awang Amat (Traditional Wayang Kulit). – Bernama
