Kampung Chempaka Community Art Project
Located in the state of Selangor, Kampung Chempaka is one of the last new villages set up in 1969 due to the major land acquisition for mining development. But after the mining activity had ended, most of the villagers remained and became permanent settlements until today. Kampung Chempaka or in Mandarin known as “Qian Bai Jia” (Thousand Houses) is tucked away in Petaling Jaya, the modern satellite city for Kuala Lumpur.
Despite the surrounding areas having received rapid modernization, over the years Kampung Chempaka have maintained its traditional way of living and preserved its historical significance. However, with the increasing number of young residents moving out, leaving an ageing population behind, Kampung Chempaka is facing gradual encroachment from the neighboring industrial area.
Led by a team of artists, architects and activists, Lostgens’ initiated the Kampung Chempaka Community Art Project in effort to restore the village lifestyle, preserve the traditional culture and revitalize the community through art strategies.
Project Duration
Ongoing since July 2019
Venue
Kampung Chempaka, 47301 Petaling Jaya
Collaboration between
Pusat Khidmat Adun Bandar Utama
Committee of JKKK Kampung Chempaka
Lostgens’ Contemporary Art Space
Advisor
YB Jamaliah Jamaluddin
Project Team
Yeoh Lian Heng, JJ Ng, Lee Pei Ni,
Tsuji Lam, Mah Jun Yi & Lee Jyee Yee
Field Survey & Interview
Unlike other community art projects, with the assistance from the village volunteers, Lostgens’ conducted a comprehensive door-to-door base survey on homes and businesses in Kampung Chempaka. During the survey, the villager residents would fill up a questionnaire followed by a short interview. This exercise, which consisted of both quantitative and qualitative assessment, was aimed to better understand the oral history of the residents and the physical conditions of their houses. To date, Lostgens’ has interviewed over 300 families.
From this study, Lostgens’ was also able to identify the heritage houses and set priority for restoration works.
Throughout the project, over 30 heritage houses (50 years and above) have been successfully restored using improved material structure while still maintaining the original aesthetic.
Mari-lah Chempaka!
In April 2019, Lostgens’ organized a two-day forum and exhibition at the Kampung Chempaka Wet Market where it was participated by more than 1000 participants including villagers, community leaders, local politicians, activists and artists. The event was also aimed to forge ties and promote discussion among the stakeholders to take part and support the community art project.
The second phase of the community project is for Lostgens’ to set up a community museum in three years’ time where it will collect, preserve and showcase the intangible heritage of Kampung Chempaka. Additionally, Lostgens’ also plans to create a community space for the young and old to meet regularly. Also, there is a plan to beautify the nearby river and to create a cultural mapping featuring places of interest in the village pathing way for content-based guided tours in future. Lostgens’ also would like to work closely with the officials from the Ministry of Housing and Local Government to enable the villagers to apply for the land title and officially own their houses and businesses.
However, the village restoration phase has taken the momentum on its own when the community eventually leads the effort and starts gaining more external support from other organizations who offer materials, manpower and donations. Lostgens’ has therefore adapted into the new supportive role of a consultant continuously to monitor and support the course.
