The Kreatif KL Festival 2024, ongoing until November 30, features over 100 programmes with the aim of transforming downtown Kuala Lumpur into an artistic and cultural hub.
Launching the event, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the festival had the potential to turn Kuala Lumpur into an international cultural centre.
“Kreatif KL is one of the government’s efforts to make Kuala Lumpur a city that prioritises the development of arts and culture.
The three-month-long festival from September 5 until November 30 is jointly organised by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and Think City, with support from Finance Ministry.
The events are held at several key precincts in Kuala Lumpur, which are:
Traditional Shopping Street Precinct
Uncover the vibrant tapestry and layers of Malaysian stories, communities, textiles and more at the Traditional Shopping Street.
Don’t miss the chance to catch Layar Nostalgia KL, a curated selection of films from the ’70s to ’90s, set in KL, and immerse yourself in the world of traditional Malay textiles at John Ang’s exhibition ‘Songket and Limar: Fabrics That Linked the Malay World’ at Semua House.
Places of Interest: Semua House, Jakel Mall, Haniffa Department Store, Habib Jewels, Joyalukkas Jewellery, Mydin Masjid India, Topgirl, Nasi Lemak Burung Hantu, Semua Rasa Foodcourt, Capital Cafe, Restoran Insaf, Limapulo
Civic Precinct
At the heart of Downtown KL, where the Klang and Gombak rivers converge, lies the Civic Precinct—an area rich with historical and colonial charm. Known as the birthplace of Malaya’s independence, this iconic location houses some of KL’s most significant and oldest landmarks, waiting to be rediscovered.
Experience art installations by Najib Bamadhaj, Filamen, and Nabihah Haiyee. Enjoy live performances by Raziman Sarbini and Eko Supriyanto, and explore historical exhibitions at Masjid Jamek. Take part in curated tours of the Dataran Merdeka Heritage Area and uncover hidden gems within this storied precinct.
Places of Interest: Masjid Jamek, St Mary’s Cathedral, National Textile Museum, River of Life, Rumah Tangsi, Kuala Lumpur Library
Heritage Triangle Precinct
Explore the myriad of experiences that blend heritage charm, urban excitement and the celebrated landmarks we know and love.
Don’t miss the chance to see the work of local and regional artists at Indian Ocean Triennial Australia (IOTA) 2024 KL at The Toffee, Tan Chui Mui’s interactive installation ‘You Don’t Know What Love Is’ at High Street Studios, Suzy Sulaiman’s public art installation ‘Kota AR’, Bono Stellar’s public art installation ‘Dreamweaver’, and explore KL’s literary scene at ‘KALAM: Confluence of Writers & Ideas; Membaur Bahasa Idea’.
Places of Interest: Central Market, Sin Sze Si Ya Temple, Medan Pasar, The Godown, Riwayat Bookstore, High Street Studios, LOKL Coffee Co, Muzium Telekom, Santa Chapati, Betel Leaf, Sustain.ed KL, Kwai Chai Hong, Lostgens
The Petaling Street Precinct
Step back in time and experience the magic of old-world charm with a modern twist in the heart of Downtown KL.
Immerse yourself in the world of digital and media art come to life at RXPerience, engage with Mavin Khoo’s eminent artistic experiences in conversation with his brother Eddin Khoo, and catch varied programming available at Five Arts Centre, GMBB, as well as Fritilldea’s installation ‘Whispers of the City’ and Arts On The Move programming at MRT Pasar Seni.
Places of Interest: REXKL, GMBB, Anaabu, Jao Tim, Restoran Mee Tarik, VCR Galloway, Else Kuala Lumpur, Warong Old China, Puck’s Coffee, UR-MU +N @ Tun HS Lee
Rooted in the city’s rich history yet forward-looking, the Kreatif KL initiative by Think City is dedicated to restoring the capital’s glory, rekindling national pride, and positioning Downtown Kuala Lumpur as a vibrant hub for visitors, businesses, and investors.
As part of this rejuvenation effort, the Kreatif KL Festival has been launched to bring the city to life through collaborative and exciting activities, transforming it into a creative, liveable, and thriving hub.
For more info, check out the event’s website at this link.