Page 108 - The Guide To Sarawak

106 THE ARTS
Top Malaysian stand-up comedian Papi Zak performing to an enthralled audience at Society Atelier Sarawak.
For three decades
Sarawak Artists Society
has been developing the standard of art amongst
its members, bringing together established artists to showcase their works locally and internationally, and helping to develop budding artists to launch themselves into this industry. The society occasionally organises exhibitions, workshops and other activities.
T (019) 816 5368
E gerald@sarakraf.com.my
The Sarawak Photo Arts Society is a long established organisation that counts both amateur and professional photographers among its members.
It organises regular photography competitions, workshops and exhibitions, and during 2012 it will
host the very first Borneo International Salon of Photography.
E spas.swk@gmail.com
W www.spas.com.my
Organizations
Society Atelier Sarawak
was founded in 1986 to promote and research Sarawak arts and crafts
and to promote cultural
and artistic exchange with other countries. Atelier has organized many exhibitions by local artists of Pua- Kumbu weaving, local artefacts, wood carving, beads and beadwork, songket selayah, sculpture, basketry, eco-fiber and natural dye textiles. The Society has published several books including: Pua: Iban Weavings of Sarawak by Edric Ong (1992), Sarawak Cultural Legacy by Datu Lucas Chin and Datin Valerie Mashman (1991), Sarawak Style, by Luca Invernezzi and Edric Ong (1996), and Tusau Padan–a Retrospective (1997).
Atelier also administers the World Eco-Fiber and Textile (WEFT) Network (see
page 100) and Forum; is a
permanent member of the Crafts Council of Malaysia; a member of the ASEAN Handicraft Promotion and Development Association (AHPADA); a member of the World Crafts Council – Asia Pacific; and maintains close links with UNESCO. The Malaysian Government conferred the Penyokong Kraf Negara – Best Non Government Organisation award - to Society Atelier Sarawak in 2006.
W www.societyatelier.com
The late Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Hajah Laila Taib viewing a display at a Kebaya Exhibition held by Society Atelier Sarawak. She is accompanied by society president Edric Ong (foreground) and YB Datuk Hajah Fatimah Abdullah, Minister of Welfare, Women and Family Development Sarawak (centre).