A view of Merdeka 118 tower as the backdrop in Kg. Attap at PESZTA 2022.
GET in the mood for National Day with PESZTA – the vibrant community-led arts, culture and music festival happening on Aug 26 in Kampung Attap in the heart of the Merdeka 118 precinct.
The festival – renowned for shining the spotlight on the rich tapestry of Malaysia’s flourishing arts community, is back for a second year with an even bigger line-up of collaborators, performers and activities.
This year, the one-day festival – supported by PNB Merdeka Ventures (PNBMV), Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL), Think City, The Zhongshan Building, Sam Mansion, HEART Residence, Yayasan Lim Yee Hoh, Pentago House, the KL and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, Triptyk, and Scouts Association of Malaysia – is set to take place across seven different venues within the artistic hub of the Merdeka 118 precinct in Kuala Lumpur.
All the action will be centred around Kampung Attap – a thriving creative hub.
The participating venues which are within walking distance from Merdeka 118 precinct and Petaling Street, include The Zhongshan Building, Sam Mansion, Triptyk, Pentago House, the KL and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, The HEART Residence and the newly established Pusat Kesenian DBKL.
The 118 Stories Immersive exhibition is a must-see.
PESZTA curator Liza Ho said last year’s festival which was a collaboration with neighbours in the area had fostered a sense of community.
This year, festival organisers are working with even more neighbours to showcase Kampung Attap both as a platform and a place where artists create and showcase their talent, she said.
Throughout the day, visitors can explore and experience a range of activities.
The Zhongshan Building will host talks and workshops, including one on art and pottery, while House of Art (HEART) – a residence for art students and artists – is where live graffiti sessions, visual art programmes, and performances by KL Shakespeare Players will take place.
There will be an outdoor market, traditional dances, face-painting and barley beading workshops as well as Bajau food at Sam Mansion, plus an exhibition of Loke Yew – once Malaya’s richest tin tycoon – at the KL and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall.
Zee Avi, one of the main performers at PESZTA.
Not to be missed are the talks and tours of the beautifully-restored Pentago House that has been around for over 100 years.
Visitors can also step back in time and witness monumental moments of Merdeka, while learning about Tunku Abdul Rahman’s role in shaping the nation’s history, through an immersive AI exhibition.
Festival-goers can also head up to the rooftop of The Zhongshan Building and chill out to some spectacular views, and take selfies.
Foodies can look forward to Sharing Plates to sample home-cooked food prepared by migrant communities in KL at Triptyk – a cool cafe tucked away in a pre-war building.
One of the festival’s highlights will be a lucky draw, whereby winners will get an opportunity to visit the Merdeka 118 tower to get sweeping views of the city.
The festival will culminate with Mantap Kampung Attap, featuring electrifying performances by local indie and rock bands and headlined by Zee Avi and Alena Murang.
