GEORGE TOWN, July 15 — The annual Causeway Exchange (CEX) returns this year to celebrate Singapore’s 50th anniversary and the 50 years of bilateral ties with Malaysia.
The annual joint arts and culture initiative between Singapore and Malaysia, introduced in 2010, will again be a part of the George Town Festival for the second year this August.
CEX will also be in Johor Baru from August 10 to September 11 for the first time this year in conjunction with the JB Arts Festival.
The annual event has played an important role in expanding the audience base for arts and culture in both countries while at the same time, created greater opportunities and awareness for cultural exchange programmes between Malaysia and Singapore through art.
“It is the continuous positive feedback from artistes who have performed at CEX that keeps us going,”
“Artistes have reported to us that they have benefited from this exchange, even more so when we showcase collaborative works across disciplines and genres which will again be seen in our line-up this year,” said CEX founder and festival director Shawn Lourdusamy of the event.
In Penang, CEX will kick off on August 1 with a line-up of visual art exhibitions, a short film showcase, a literary art showcase, a music performance and comedy by Singaporean stand-up comedian Kumar.
If you remember Skippy, the loveable ginger cat that was featured in GTF 2013 by Artist for Stray Animals (ASA) artists, then be prepared for more this year under CEX in the ASA Band of Doodlers event.
The Band of Doodlers from Singapore will be partnering with their Malaysian counterparts to continue doodling Skippy’s story at China House on August 29 and 30.
Singapore’s Sanif Olek will also be showcasing his film “Sayang Disayang” at the Hin Bus Depot Art Centre on August 28 and after the screening, there will also be a question and answer session with Sanif himself.
“Sayang Disayang”, a tender portrayal of a disabled elderly man and his Indonesian maid trying to live together in peace, was selected as Singapore’s official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 2015 Academy Awards.
There will also be a solo exhibition by renowned artist Sandra Lee titled “Where The Heart Is” at China House, a showcase of her masterpieces depicting Western fairy tales in an Asian context.
Over in Johor Baru, one of the arts and cultural events lined up includes the Heritage Films which will showcase six winning films from the Singapore Heritage Short Film Competition on September 24 at the Festival Village in Puteri Harbour.
The Singaporean drum ensemble, Nadi Singapura, with more than 25 members will showcase their skills using traditional drums such as kompang, rebana, jidur and gendang in their performances on September 19, also at Festival Village.
More planned events and activities at both states will be slowly unveiled as the CEX draws nearer next month.
Find out more about the programme line up here.
