Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival - This year’s edition different from previous years

KUCHING: The 20th Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) is this year different from previous years with the presence of an inaugural Rainforest Fringe Festival (RFF) from July 7 to 16.

During the launching ceremony held at the Old Courthouse here yesterday, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said RFF is a 10-day spectacle of the best that Sarawak has to offer in terms of art, craft, music, fashion, food, film and photography.

“In previous years, RWMF was always confined in Damai, about 20km away from here “With RFF, we are bringing the RWMF vibe to different locations in town showcasing the best of what Sarawak has to offer,” he said, Abdul Karim also said the next 10 days would be beneficial to the local hoteliers, food operators and transport providers.

When asked about the state government’s plan to let the private sector organise the iconic festival (RWMF), Abdul Karim said in a way the RWMF had been partly privatised “because we have been outsourcing some of the activities to event management companies and that we have received many sponsorships from corporate bodies.

“However, the government will always back up RWMF activities to make sure they are in line with our vision to promote our arts and culture.”

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Sarawak government keen to promote Rainforest Fringe Festival

KUCHING: The state government is keen to add to Sarawak’s calendar of tourism events to make Sarawak a more lively place.

Speaking at a press conference in his office yesterday, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah hoped for more such annual events in Sarawak which is rich in arts, culture and nature.

Presently Sarawak’s annual Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) attracts tourists from around the world, but the government is promoting a new festival that can do the same, namely the Rainforest Fringe Festival (RFF) to be held at the The Old Court House, Sarawak Tourism Complex.

“RWMF has proved to be a success and I think it’s time for us to introduce another festival. This year the RFF will be held in the heart of Kuching city,” he added.

According to Karim, RWMF is a music festival while RFF promotes and celebrates Sarawak arts and culture, artists and artistes.

He believes the inaugural RFF will be a platform for Sarawakian artists and artistes to showcase their talent.

“RFF will reflect Sarawak’s rich identity when it is held here (in Kuching) next month from July 7 to 16. Those interested in arts and culture should take time to check out this festival,” he said.

He believes Sarawakians have a lot to offer in terms of arts and culture, and the state government welcomes anyone wishing to promote them.

The highlights of the RFF next month include an evening concert that features an eclectic mix of Sarawak’s local talent as well as an array of homegrown artists to present their work at The Old Court House, Sarawak Tourism Complex.

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