BCG2024 upholds mission of bringing S’wakian crafts talents, heritage to global stage

KUCHING (Nov 25): The vibrant city of Kuching is poised to become the heartbeat of the global craft community as the BorneoCraft Global Expo and Conference 2024 (BCG 2024) kicks off this Wednesday (Nov 27), and will run until Dec1.

Organised by the Sarawak Craft Council (SCC) with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, BCG 2024 marks a significant milestone for Sarawak’s craft industry, celebrating both tradition and innovation.

With its tagline, ‘Globalizing the Local,’ BCG2024 aims to celebrate Sarawak’s rich heritage while connecting its artisans to international markets.

In an interview with The Borneo Post, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan hailed BCG 2024 as being ‘more than just an event, but a movement’.

“We want BCG 2024 to be a hallmark occasion, drawing global attention to Sarawak’s creativity and craftsmanship,” he said.

Crafts lovers’ paradise

The scenic Kuching Waterfront will host the ‘Craft Expo’, the centrepiece of BCG 2024. This vibrant marketplace will feature artisans’ booths showcasing handcrafted treasures, from intricate beadwork to handwoven textiles.

Visitors can witness the live craft demonstrations, where skilled artisans unveil the secrets of their creations, and even participate in hands-on workshops at the Sarawak Craft Council on Nov 28 and 30.

Participants have the chance to learn diverse craft-making techniques, inspiring creativity and fostering an appreciation for traditional art forms.

“We have participants from all over, showcasing their crafts alongside ours. This is a platform for collaboration, inspiration, and global exposure,” said Snowdan.

MasterCraft Challenge: A first for Asia

A unique highlight of BCG2024 is the MasterCraft Challenge, an exhilarating competition that pits 10 Sarawakian artisans against each other in categories such as basketry, beading, textiles, fibre arts, and mixed media.

Artisans will race against time in this thrilling three-hour challenge, crafting masterpieces in the category that they have chosen.

“This is a first-of-its-kind competition in Asia. It’s an exciting way to showcase the raw talent of our local artisans, while adding an element of fun and creativity,” Snowdan added.

The challenge, open exclusively to Sarawakians, will not only highlight the local talents but also encourage innovation within traditional crafts.

The winners stand to gain RM5,000 in grand prize money, with additional awards for category winners and emerging crafters.

Beyond competition, the challenge underscores the ingenuity of Sarawakian artisans, celebrating their craftsmanship and innovation.

Global perspectives, experts’ insights

The spotlight shifts to the Hilton Hotel Kuching on Nov 29, where renowned international speakers including World Crafts Council – Asia Pacific Region (WCC-APR) president Azizbek Murtazayev, will headline the conference and masterclasses.

Attendees will gain valuable insights into craft trends, global markets and sustainable practices, fostering connections that transcend borders.

According to Snowdan, these sessions are an invaluable opportunity for local artisans and craft enthusiasts to gain insights and skills from international experts.

Crafting history: Largest gathering of beadmakers

The excitement continues on Dec 1 with an ambitious attempt to set a Malaysian record for the largest bead-making gathering at tHE Spring Mall.

Over 1,000 participants are expected to join this family-friendly event, celebrating Sarawak’s beadwork legacy.

Participants may sign up in advance on the website to ensure their spot in this record-breaking attempt.

Crafting stations will also be available for participants, who can purchase an RM10 bead-making kit or bring their own tools to personalise their creations.

“This is more than just setting a record. It’s about nurturing interest in traditional crafts among the younger generation, and ensuring that the legacy of bead making would live on,” Snowdan said.

Empowering rural artisans: From ‘kampung’ to the world

One of the central missions of BCG 2024 is to empower rural artisans by providing them with the resources and visibility to thrive in an increasingly competitive global market.

Sarawak’s crafts, be they intricate beadworks, vibrant textiles, or rattan-weaving, are deeply rooted in the state’s ethnic heritage, showcasing a wealth of skill and cultural diversity.

Yet, many of these talented artisans remain hidden gems in remote villages, disconnected from opportunities that could propel their crafts to the global stage.

In this respect, Snowdan noted that the rural craftsmen often lacked the financial means and also the platforms to showcase their work.

“To address this, initiatives like the Sarawak Craft Council’s Artisan Directory have been developed.

“This directory meticulously documents the skills, craftsmanship and products of Sarawakian artisans, acting as a bridge for potential buyers, collaborators, and sponsors to connect with them.

“This event (BCG 2024) is about breaking barriers and taking our artisans from the ‘kampung’ (villages) to the world,” he said.

A shining example of this vision is the story of Bangie Embol, a master weaver whose traditional ‘Pua Kumbu’, a handwoven Iban textile, has earned international acclaim.

Bangie’s journey highlights the untapped potential of rural artisans and underscores the importance of platforms like BCG 2024 in transforming talent into sustainable livelihoods.

“BCG 2024 is about creating those opportunities. It’s a platform for artisans to shine, a chance to connect with international buyers and an avenue for young Sarawakians to rediscover and celebrate their heritage,” said Snowdan.

Through BCG 2024, the Sarawak Craft Council is not only promoting crafts, but also fostering an ecosystem where rural artisans can network, showcase their work, and gain recognition.

This event represents more than just a marketplace; it is a movement to honour and elevate Sarawak’s cultural heritage, ensuring it thrives for generations to come.

At its heart, BCG 2024 embodies a powerful vision – to see Sarawak’s artisans transform their talent into world-class creations, making their mark on the global stage.

Crafting legacy for future generations

BCG 2024 is not just about today; it is about building a legacy for tomorrow.

In this regard, Snowdan envisions the event joining the ranks of Sarawak’s signature occasions such as the Rainforest World Music Festival and Sarawak Regatta.

“This is just the beginning. We want BorneoCraft Global to become a hallmark event that draws visitors from around the world, showcasing the best of Sarawak’s creativity.”

At its heart, BCG 2024 aims to inspire younger generations to engage with traditional crafts, ensuring the survival and evolution of these art forms. By providing opportunities such as masterclasses and interactive activities, the event seeks to pass down the skills and techniques honed over generations to aspiring artisans.

‘From Sarawak to the world’

Speaking passionately about his aspirations for the event, Snowdan shared his dream of seeing Sarawak’s crafts reach global recognition.

“Our aspiration is simple, to see Sarawak’s crafts become world-class. It’s in our tagline, ‘Globalizing the Local’, so we want our products to be showcased on the world stage and to be world-class,” he said.

Snowdan also envisions Sarawakian crafts competing with and surpassing the products from regional crafts giants such as Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.

“Some of their products have already made names for themselves internationally. Our goal is to see Sarawakian crafts not only match, but surpass global standards, carrying the Sarawak name and identity with pride.”

For Snowdan, crafts are deeply personal.

“Craft is very close to our heart. It is part of our identity, but the challenge lies in promoting it outside of Sarawak, beyond Malaysia, and to the world.

“That’s what I want to see – our products becoming world-class.”

This vision aligns perfectly with the event’s tagline, ‘Globalizing the Local,’ encapsulating the mission of bringing Sarawakian talents, culture and artistry to the international stage.

“By connecting artisans with international buyers, partnersand collaborators, BCG 2024 opens doors for Sarawakian crafts to achieve global acclaim.

“The event is not just a celebration of culture – it’s a critical stepping stone toward establishing Sarawak’s crafts as a world-class identity, ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve on the global stage.”

Join the journey

BCG2024 invites everyone to be part of this journey, whether as participants, visitors or supporters.

From the bustling expo at Kuching Waterfront to the intellectual exchanges at Hilton Kuching, and the record-breaking bead-making gathering, there is something for everyone.

Whether you are an artisan, a collector, or simply curious, this is your chance to witness the magic of Sarawakian crafts and join the journey to global recognition.