Pentas Seni Merdeka set to increase social equity through public space activation
Date: Sat 16 Jul, 2022
Location: Kuala Lumpur
What was once a thriving and vibrant city centre, now popularly known as Downtown Kuala Lumpur (Downtown KL), had decline and stagnated as result of rapid growth of Kuala Lumpur as the nation’s capital. Over the last decade, various efforts have been put by the government and the private sector to inject life and unearth the hidden gems of Kuala Lumpur. Aside from various infrastructure and connectivity projects such as the River of Life, Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and more, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has collaborated with Think City to support the renewal and regeneration of Downtown KL. We are beginning to see results with a new lease of life to our historic area where buildings are restored, walkways and laneways have been upgraded, greening of the city is underway in addition to improvements to amenities and services.
This has been part of the city strategy to build back better and bring vibrancy back into the city. In line with this aspiration, Think City and DBKL are co-organisers of Pentas Seni Merdeka which kicked off on 16 July 2022, held along Jalan Raja, Kuala Lumpur against the iconic backdrop of Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad, Panggung Bandaraya and Bangunan Mahkamah Tinggi. The inaugural event was attended by Malaysians from all walks of life as well as a host of other dignitaries.
Pentas Seni Merdeka is a monthly, free, public arts initiative aimed at increasing social equity through public space activation and further poising Downtown KL to become a creative and cultural district. This month’s Pentas Seni Merdeka, which is the first of four more editions to come, featured the Ronggeng Melayu dance and artform which was also workshopped and curated by Nusantara Performing Arts Research Center (NusPARC). The inaugural event also featured a myriad of other activities including performances from the DBKL Combo & Cultural Artists, terrarium making workshops, local snacks shop, food trucks and many more.
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