Kuala Sepetang is a coastal town located in the state of Perak. Formerly known as Port Weld, named after the former British governor Frederik Weld, it was a thriving harbour port during the 1800s. With the population grew exponentially which slowly implicated poor disposal management, the riverbed became thicker, eventually making the river so shallow until big vessels could no longer enter the port. Soon the British left Port Weld and it had since been deserted.
Though this century-old fishing village has long passed its prime, today Kuala Sepetang is filled with rich history, nature, and heritage. Kuala Sepetang has the largest mangrove ecosystem in Peninsular Malaysia, surviving traditional charcoal kilns, abundance of seafood and historical site of the first railway in Malaysia.
With all the innate potentials to become the next destination for eco-tourism, the “Look Port Weld” Kuala Sepetang Art Carnival was a timely festival to mobilize the local community, to raise the awareness of protecting ecological and cultural heritage and to activate the younger generation in cultivating deeper understanding towards their hometown.
Project Duration
22nd – 27th March 2014
Venue
Port Weld, Kuala Sepetang, Perak
Collaboration Partners:
Kelab Pemuda Kuala Sepetang
Kuala Sepetang Community
Lostgens’ Contemporary Art Space
Supported by:
Local Assemblywoman, Kuala Sepetang
children workshops
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local elements
As part of the art strategy, content developed and material used were all based on Kuala Sepetang’s cultural uniqueness.
The children participants worked with various materials that were abundant at the village such as seashells and pebbles. Artworks produced were inspired based on the children’s experience and memory living.
Artists were hearing voices from the local children by drawings, eg. their likes & dislikes and wishes for their home on how to improve the community living quality.
A play was produced where the children staged a theatre performance telling the stories of their home village. The children workshop also drew the participation of Lostgens’ residency artist, Susanne Bosch (GER).
artist team:
Aisyah Baharuddin
Chong Yi Lin
Alex Lee
Bebek
Hafiz
Ili Farhana
Tsuji Lam
Yeoh Lian Heng
guest artist:
Susanne Bosch (GER)
special thanks to:
Kuala Sepetang Community
