Event:
Johore Bharu Arts Festival 2010

Venue:
Johore Bharu, Malaysia

Date:
29 June - 24 July 2010

Ticket:
For tickets and Programme Booklet, please call: 019-716 9900 / 019-713 9900

Description:
The annual J.S.P.A. Johor Arts Festival is bold, ambitious and multifaceted in its concept. It is envisioned to be an annual event in the Johor calendar of approximately three to four weeks in duration. The inaugural J.S.P.A. Johor Arts Festival 2004 is the starting point.

The key elements in the concept for the annual J.S.P.A. Johor Arts Festival is that it's programmes will encompass all recognised disciplines of the performing arts, both traditional and contemporary and:

1. Showcase, encourage and promote firstly, local Johor talents involved in the traditional cultural performing arts as well as contemporary performing arts. In this respect, it is hoped that the annual arts festival can evolve to become a vehicle for all performing arts groups in Johor to work together and showcase their talents.

2. Showcase, encourage and promote secondly, other Malaysian talents involved in the traditional cultural performing arts as well as contemporary performing arts. In this respect, it is hoped that the annual arts festival can transform Johor into another performing arts centre in Malaysia for local performers, which up to now is predominantly centred in Kuala Lumpur and Penang;

3. Making accessible and affordable to the Johor public and exposing the Johor public to performers and talents of international repute and standing from around the world in the various recognised disciplines of the performing arts.

While Johoreans can justly be proud of their own culture and identity and would like other people to appreciate and recognise their culture and local talents, they must equally be broadminded enough and be encouraged to recognise, be receptive of and appreciate the cultures and talents of other peoples of this world. Up to now, such performances are mainly centred in Kuala Lumpur , Penang and Kuching. Johoreans should be encouraged to avoid the "katak di bawah tempurong" mentality. Being exposed and learning and understanding about other peoples' cultures breeds tolerance and broadmindedness and a sense that we all belong to one big global village.

4. Developing and promoting interest in and advancement of the standards in the various disciplines of the performing arts in Johor through interactive and educational programmes like workshops, seminars and masterclasses.

The concept of the annual J.S.P.A. Johor Arts Festival is that it should be all embracing. While promoting, encouraging and supporting local Johor and Malaysian culture, performing arts and talent, it should with open arms, also embrace performing arts and talents from around the world. Performing arts and whatever talent around the world wherever found should be appreciated.

The performing arts, therefore extends beyond our local culture. It should transcend all geographical boundaries, language, ethnic and religious barriers. It embraces the diverse cultures and talents of the world. We are increasingly living in the global village and the performing arts should never be regarded as Western vs Eastern or Malay vs Indian vs Chinese. It is for all the citizens of the world to enjoy, experience and appreciate.

It is a celebration of the diversity of talents and the myriad cultures of our world and offering to the people of Johor, the opportunity to experience and be exposed to the cultures and talents of the world, will add another dimension to the lives of Johoreans, one that is invaluable and enriching.