Five professionals from the Arts industry were awarded grants today from the Krishen Jit-ASTRO (KJAT), all in which enables each of them to produce their enriching and artistic projects for the society. “One of the main objectives of Krishen’s inspiring works were to celebrate original Malaysian creativity in as many way as possible through all aspects of Arts,” said Marion D’Cruz of Five Arts Centre.
Introduced in 2006 by ASTRO and Five Arts Centre, the Krishen Jit-ASTRO fund was set up in memory of the late Krishen Jit – an icon in the local arts industry, articulating a Malaysian identity that was ever evolving and encouraged practitioners and audiences alike to reflect on their lives and societies. The aim of this fund is to extend opportunities to deserving artistic professionals in Malaysia to pursue and express their passion for the Arts by providing them a platform to do so.
In total, there are 59 applications this year, and the number keep on increasing year after year. “This year, we selected five grantees – an increase from previous years as the pool of talents we received was all so impressive,” said Marion D’Cruz. The five grantees are Beverly Yong, whose project involves essays on key themes and subjects concerning Malaysian art practice, its context and history; Fauzi Yusoff in an audio-visual documentary about ordinary routine life in Malaysia entitled “Satu Hari” or One Day, by combining urban lifestyle coming together with traditions; Loh Kok Man and his Pentas Project Theatre Production, which will be available at The Annexe Gallery from 17 December till 20 December 2009; KongHwee & Ying takes on an illustration of Orang Asli Animal Tales, which was compiled by field researcher Dr Lim Boo Liat and last but not least, Tan San Nee with her solo exhibition entitled “Artist Sojourn,” all in which will be featuring visual art work, sketches and drawings. Every work in this solo project will provide additional sensory experience including everyday gestures such as eating, reading and smelling.
Since its foundation three years ago, the Krishen Jit-ASTRO Fund has awarded fifteen projects in total, all of which portrayed a view of Malaysia identity either through film, documentary, exhibition, theatre performance and music.
For more information on the Krishen Jit-ASTRO Fund and the Five Arts Centre, please contact Five Arts Centre at +603-7725-4858 or e-mail fivearts@tm.net.my / www.fiveartscentre.org
