The Concept
The annual J.S.P.A.
Johor Arts Festival is bold, ambitious and multifaceted in its
concept. It is envisioned to be an annual event in the Johor calendar
of approximately three to four weeks in duration. The inaugural
J.S.P.A. Johor Arts Festival 2004 is the starting point.
The key elements
in the concept for the annual J.S.P.A. Johor Arts Festival is
that it’s programmes will encompass all recognised disciplines
of the performing arts, both traditional and contemporary and:
1.showcase, encourage
and promote firstly, local Johor talents involved in the traditional
cultural performing arts as well as contemporary performing arts.
In this respect, it is hoped that the annual arts festival can
evolve to become a vehicle for all performing arts groups in Johor
to work together and showcase their talents.
Why?
Johoreans of
the present generation and succeeding generations should know,
learn, support and be proud of their own local culture and local
talents.
2.showcase, encourage
and promote secondly, other Malaysian talents involved in the
traditional cultural performing arts as well as contemporary performing
arts. In this respect, it is hoped that the annual arts festival
can transform Johor into another performing arts centre in Malaysia
for local performers, which up to now is predominantly centred
in Kuala Lumpur and Penang;
Why?
As Malaysians
we should know and learn about, support, and be proud of Malaysian
arts and culture and Malaysian talents.
3. making accessible
and affordable to the Johor public and exposing the Johor public
to performers and talents of international repute and standing
from around the world in the various recognised disciplines of
the performing arts.
Why?
While Johoreans
can justly be proud of their own culture and identity and would
like other people to appreciate and recognise their culture and
local talents, they must equally be broadminded enough and be
encouraged to recognise, be receptive of and appreciate the cultures
and talents of other peoples of this world. Up to now, such performances
are mainly centred in Kuala Lumpur , Penang and Kuching. Johoreans
should be encouraged to avoid the “katak di bawah tempurong”
mentality. Being exposed and learning and understanding about
other peoples’ cultures breeds tolerance and broadmindedness
and a sense that we all belong to one big global village.
4. developing
and promoting interest in and advancement of the standards in
the various disciplines of the performing arts in Johor through
interactive and educational programmes like workshops, seminars
and masterclasses.
Why?
If the performing
arts are to take root in Johor, interest in the performing arts
ought to be developed and encouraged and local talents nurtured
and supported. One of the ways in which local Johor talent can
be developed is through educational workshops, seminars and masterclasses
and interactive programmes and activities whereby Johoreans are
encouraged to participate in the performing arts. Eventually,
it is hoped that Johor will have a wide pool of talent in the
various disciplines of the performing arts that it can be proud
of.
The concept of
the annual J.S.P.A. Johor Arts Festival is that it should be all
embracing. While promoting, encouraging and supporting local Johor
and Malaysian culture, performing arts and talent, it should with
open arms, also embrace performing arts and talents from around
the world. Performing arts and whatever talent around the world
wherever found should be appreciated.
The performing
arts, therefore extends beyond our local culture. It should transcend
all geographical boundaries, language, ethnic and religious barriers.
It embraces the diverse cultures and talents of the world. We
are increasingly living in the global village and the performing
arts should never be regarded as Western vs Eastern or Malay vs
Indian vs Chinese. It is for all the citizens of the world to
enjoy, experience and appreciate. It is a celebration of the diversity
of talents and the myriad cultures of our world and
offering to the people of Johor, the opportunity to experience
and be exposed to the cultures and talents of the world, will
add another dimension to the lives of Johoreans, one that is invaluable
and enriching.
In line with
the objectives and concept as set out, the annual J.S.P.A. Johor
Arts Festival will strive for a balance in its festival programme
that will reflect all the key elements as stated above; namely,
local, international, educational and
interactive.
Local Element
:
1. Local Johor/Malaysian
cultural traditional arts’ performances by Johor/Malaysian
talents and groups
2. Local Johor/Malaysian
contemporary arts’ performances by local Johor/Malaysian
talents and groups.
International
Element :
1. Traditional
cultural performances of other countries by foreign performers
of international repute and standing;
2. Contemporary
arts’ performances by performers of international repute
and standing.
Educational Element
:
1. Workshops,
seminars and masterclasses in the various recognised disciplines
of the performing arts by local and international performers.
The emphasis is educational in nature.
Interactive Element:
1. A Fringe Festival
running alongside the main Festival, where performers are given
the opportunity and are encouraged to perform and showcase their
talents.
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