11-07-2025
Ipoh International Art Fest explores the healing power of art
Perak-born Zulkefli Jais, winner of the Bakat Muda Sezaman 2023 award, returns to his home state to take part in the Ipoh International Art Festival. He will be showcasing 'Please, Look Up!', a new installation work. Photo: Surekha Revindran
The PINCER (Perak Innovation & Creative Resource Centre) studio building in Bandar Meru Raya, Ipoh, will host the fourth edition of the Ipoh International Art Festival (IIAF) from July 19 to August 3, deepening the festival's mission to embed the arts within the cultural fabric of the Perak state capital and beyond.
Themed "Gema – Art, Healing And The Future", the festival features a range of highlights that resonate with Ipoh's status as a Unesco Creative City, celebrating how the arts can reflect, restore, and reimagine the future.
An international exhibition featuring nearly 40 artists will be the centrepiece of the festival. Showcasing both established and emerging names – including Jalaini Abu Hassan, Nadiah Bamadhaj, Samsudin Wahab, Faizal Suhif and Zulkefli Jais – the exhibition also welcomes artists from the United States, Japan, France, the Netherlands, Thailand, and Singapore, reflecting IIAF's growing global reach.
The "After Monsoon Project", which brings together art and research, will feature Haris Abadi and Hawari Berahim. Also featured is the Malaysian Artists' Intention Experiment (MAIX), an installation project featuring acclaimed artist Shooshie Sulaiman, rounding out the festival's visual art programme.
Veteran artist Jalaini Abu Hassan is also participating in the festival's main exhibition for the first time. Photo: The Star/Art Chen
This also marks IIAF's first collaboration with the venue, signalling a shift towards more integrated and interdisciplinary programming. The festival will utilise PINCER's versatile spaces – including its main stage, green screen room, and dedicated suites – to present a diverse range of exhibitions, workshops, music performances, performance art, forums, and experimental sessions, encouraging meaningful engagement between artists and the local community.
The 16-day festival's opening weekend kicks off with IIAF Culture Night on July 19 at the PINCER main stage. The following day, July 20, features a line-up of performances: Rahmat Haron presents "Stitching Dark And Light", a performing arts showcase, while experimental artist/composer Kamal Sabran hosts his immersive "Kelas Tidur" session.
Capping off the evening, a special concert at PINCER will spotlight local talents Noh Salleh, Naki, Teman Lelaki, and Lunar.
IIAF, organised by PORT (People Of Remarkable Talents), a Perak state creative agency, is also a free-admission festival. This year's edition also incorporates the Kem Belia Kreatif series, further expanding its focus on youth engagement and creative development.
