Singapore’s Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) presents “URBN.SENI”, the inaugural Triennial Malaysia-Singapore Cultural Showcase. This seeks to strengthen the historical and cultural links between both countries, with each country taking turns to organise the showcase in the other country once every three years. It had been agreed to between Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who looked forward to the organisation of the inaugural showcase in their Joint Statement at the 9th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat in Putrajaya on 9 April 2019.
“URBN.SENI” will be organised in conjunction with Urbanscapes, the city’s longest-running creative arts festival, from 16 to 24 November 2019 at The Godown KL, a new creative hub in downtown Kuala Lumpur.
“URBN.SENI” (pronounced ‘urban seni’ and meaning ‘urban art’) reflects the vibrancy and dynamism of Singapore and Malaysia’s close cultural relations, and the spirit of partnership between the creative communities of both countries. The showcase provides an opportunity for Singaporeans and Malaysians to develop a deeper understanding of our shared cultural links, and underlines both countries’ commitment to developing stronger people-to-people ties, particularly between youth.
The nine-day programme, which is supported by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), will celebrate both countries’ shared passions in music, visual arts, film, theatre, and design. It will present some of Singapore and Malaysia’s brightest young creative talents. By giving festivalgoers a taste of Malaysia and Singapore’s shared culture, “URBN.SENI” will also encourage them to visit each other’s countries, where they will be able to deepen their exposure to their respective arts and culture scenes.
Festival-goers will experience Singapore and Malaysia’s rich culture through a curated list of music and theatre performances, as well as a visual arts showcase featuring collaborative works produced during an artist residency programme hosted by the National Art Gallery (Balai Seni Negara) for young artists from both countries.
The festival will also screen contemporary Singaporean and Malaysian feature films and short films, accompanied by post-show talks by the film directors. A Maker’s Market offering artisanal items, handcrafted wares and contemporary objects by creative makers and brands from both countries will round off the showcase.
DETAILED DAILY PROGRAMMES
On-going line up from 16 – 24 November 2019
Time: 11.00am – 7.00pm
Activities: Art Residency + Showcase Exhibition – curated through an art residency programme featuring artists from Malaysia and Singapore hosted by the National Art Gallery (Balai Seni Negara)
Location: 1st Floor, Concrete Building @ The Godown KL
16 November 2019, Saturday
17 November 2019, Sunday
18 & 19 November 2019, Monday & Tuesday
20 November 2019, Wednesday—Art exhibition only
21 & 22 November 2019, Thursday & Friday
23 & 24 November 2019, Saturday & Sunday
FOOD & BEVERAGES
- MIXING IT UP 16 & 17 November 2019, 5.30PM – 11.30PM
CONCRETE BUILDING @ THE GODOWN KL
Check out this pop-up by star Malaysian bartender CK Kho of KL bar Coley with guest Singaporean mixologists Jayden Ong and Colin Chia of Singaporean bar Nutmeg and Clove. Bar bites by Malaysian chef Chester Low (aka The Salted Chef) will also be served on 16 Nov.
- A TALE OF TWO CITIES 17 November 2019, 5.30PM – 11.30PM
CONCRETE BUILDING @ THE GODOWN KL
Hailing from Singapore, Chef Nicholas Scorpion has worked in over nine cities, earning his culinary chops at Singapore’s Tippling Club. Starting a new chapter in Malaysia, Chef Scorpion recently opened Jing Ze, adapting traditional Southeast Asian flavours and transforming them into modern dishes. Enjoy his menu, specially-created for URBN.SENI, marrying culinary influences from both Singapore and Malaysia. 
- BURGERS AND BEANS 23 & 24 November, 11AM – 7PM
CONCRETE BUILDING @ THE GODOWN KL
Burgers & Beans will offer creative grub for all. Making its first Malaysian pop-up appearance is The Quarters, bringing us a modern Singaporean take on the classic burgers and fries. For great beans and brews, PPP Coffee will be serving throughout the Maker’s Market.
Source: Press Release
