KUALA LUMPUR: Khazanah Nasional Berhad (“Khazanah”) today awarded two emerging Malaysian artists with a once-in-a-lifetime experience to join other artists from around the world for an upskilling and growth development programme at Acme Studios in London.

The Kuala Lumpur-born artists, Mark Tan and Joshua Kane Gomes, were selected through a thorough selection process among 40 participants.

Out of a group of six finalists, both Mark and Joshua have made it as 2023 cohort recipients of the Khazanah Nasional Associate Artist Residency Programme (KAAR)--under the Khazanah Residency Programme (KRP) initiative--and are set to embark on a 3-month arts residency at Acme Studios in London, from 9 January – 31 March 2023.

Acme Studios (“Acme”) was founded by artists for artists in 1972, with the aim to support the development and production of arts. The programmes are designed to provide transformational impact, reducing the practical challenges often faced by artists and increasing their ability to take creative risks.

Each residency is tailored to suit the individual needs of the artist, allowing them time to research, build relationships and focus on producing new artworks in a supported environment. As a convergence point for artists from all over the world such as Australia, Canada, Germany, Sweden and Switzerland, Acme is a melting pot of various cultures which fosters the learning and understanding of diverse perspectives and ideas.   

Khazanah Managing Director, Dato’ Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir said, “Khazanah has always been supportive of the local arts scene and works of local artists, both rising talents as well as the more established.

The local art players in the industry have been impacted by the pandemic and it is important for us to ensure we support them to further advance the industry.

The development programme is necessary to promote intellectual growth among practitioners through creative development, exposure to new ideas and discourse activities.” 

Dato’ Amirul Feisal added that by developing and providing opportunities for new talents, preserving history, culture, arts, and heritage, Khazanah is able to contribute towards social and economic values for the communities which is a part of its nation building efforts and aligned with its strategic imperative of Advancing Malaysia.

The KAAR provides local talents with international exposure which enhances knowledge and skills, for them to excel in their careers and grow into thought leaders in their field.

Upon their return, they will be entrusted to give back to the community by imparting practical knowledge collected throughout their residency to the next generation of artists, enriching the local art scene with greater creativity, quality and intellectual diversity.    

Mark, who obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Drawing and Applied Arts from the University of the West of England, said, “It is truly an honour to be the recipient for the Khazanah Residency 2023 as it provides an opportunity to develop my art practice especially in the field of Printmaking.

I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge and skills through this residency experience and share it with everyone upon my return.”

His fellow 2023 cohort recipient Joshua, who is a graduate of the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore and specialising in sculptures, said that it was very encouraging for him to be awarded with the residency programme, earning recognition for his art practice in Malaysia.   

“I hope I will be able to do the Malaysian art scene proud and I am looking forward to engaging the local scene in a meaningful way with what I have learnt,” he added. 

The participation of Mark and Joshua into the arts residency programme marks the fifth art residency year since it was introduced by Khazanah in 2017, with a total of 10 emerging Malaysian artists supported to date. 

Launched in 2017, KAAR is intended to provide emerging Malaysian artists the opportunity to enrich their knowledge in visual arts via a 12-week structured programme.

Each year, the programme of artist support provides up to two (2) artists with secure, practical, work/live studio accommodation, and a programme of artist support and professional development.

Former KAAR recipients include Haffendi Anuar and Ajim Juxta among others who have contributed to the development of the local arts scene through art education, sharing of experience, talks related to art and support to aspiring artists.

The members of the KAAR alumni continue to pursue their passion in arts and participated in various solo and group exhibitions locally and abroad.       

KAAR is a part of the KRP initiative that supports outstanding and distinguished young Malaysians in selected disciplines by developing their knowledge, skills and networks in their respective fields.

There are four programmes under this initiative namely the Khazanah Media Fellowship, Khazanah Art Residency, Khazanah Design Residency and Khazanah Public Service Residency offering established short-term residencies, fellowships and courses run by world renowned institutions.

More information on KAAR is available at www.khazanah.com.my/ourcommunity/khazanah-residency-programme/ and on Instagram (@khazanahresidency).