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WAK Festival 2025 unveils programme lineup with ‘Roots' theme
Abdul Karim (seated centre) and Tan (seated, second left) hold the WAK promotional materials after the launch at the Kuching Old Court House today. – Photo by Roystein Emmor
KUCHING (Aug 13): The seventh edition of the What About Kuching (WAK) Festival today unveiled its full programme lineup, setting the stage for a month-long October celebration themed 'Roots'.
The announcement follows earlier launches of WAK Sibu and WAK Miri, marking the first time the festival has expanded beyond the state capital.
Festival founder and director Donald Tan said this year's theme carries the broader interpretation of 'We Are Kindred', reflecting a united creative spirit across Sarawak's three major cities.
'This year's theme invites us to reflect on and celebrate the deep cultural and historical roots that anchor us to our homeland, our heritage and each other.
'It reminds us to honour our shared past even as we grow new connections that branch outwards,' he said during the launch at the Kuching Old Court House.
Also present for the event were State Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, deputy minister Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, and the ministry's permanent secretary Datu Sherrina Hussaini.
Tan said the early launch of the events calendar gives the public six weeks to plan their schedules, select preferred programmes, and secure tickets, which will go on sale in the coming days.
'Some of the events are very small and intimate, that is what WAK Festival is all about. We are actually taking solid content and making it very immersive with our audiences throughout the city.
'Things are going to be happening all over the town.
'I think we have over 45 venues in total spread throughout the city, so there is something for everyone for sure,' he said.
As an open-access, multi-genre platform, WAK continues to support long-standing creative partners while welcoming new collaborators from Malaysia and abroad.
'Together, your fresh ideas, performances, exhibitions and showcases transform our streets, lanes, parks and spaces, weaving a colourful tapestry that connects our kindred spirit across the region,' Tan said.
This year's WAK will feature 49 partners, 67 unique events, and 369 daily programmes across 44 venues in and around Kuching.
Highlights include collaborations with Canon Marketing (Malaysia), Japan Foundation, tHe Spring Shopping Mall's Pink It Up market, Wayang Kitchen with Razif Hashim, Singaporean performer GT Lye's Nyonya Stories, The Podium Project's street Kimchi Show, violinist Nisa Addina's Jazz It Up, Miri singer Naki's Malam Galau, and the Pickleball Grand Slam organised by the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta).
Organisers expressed gratitude to the State Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts and various governmental and non-governmental agencies for their support.
They also called for more sponsors and partners to help elevate WAK to the international stage and strengthen Sarawak's position in the global arts and culture arena.
'We invite creatives to light up Kuching, Sibu, and Miri with their works, performances, and passion.
'We also welcome the public to participate with open minds and curiosity, and to experience the colourful charm of 'We Are Kindred',' Tan added. Kuching roots WAK Festival What About Kuching
