By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 12: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) has officially opened nominations for the Anugerah Seni Negara or National Arts Awards (ASN) 2026 inviting Malaysians from all walks of life to participate from March 12 until May 11, 2026.
In a press release, the ministry said the awards recognise outstanding contributions in five artistic fields: Music, Dance, Theatre, Crafts, and Visual Arts.
“Nominees for the National Artist Award (Anugerah Seniman Negara) and Arts Practitioner Award (Anugerah Karyawan Seni) must demonstrate a minimum of 25 years of active experience and have consistently shown excellence and leadership in their respective fields.
“Key nomination criteria include: creating impactful works, mentoring new talents, demonstrating leadership at state, national, or international levels, and contributing additional value recognised by the nomination committee,” it said.
Meanwhile, the Arts Supporter Award (Anugerah Pendukung Seni) is open exclusively to MOTAC departments and agencies.
Recipients of the National Artist Award will receive RM60,000 in cash, an official certificate, the ASN trophy, traditional national attire, guest artist status at MOTAC, support for the creation of new works, publications featuring their achievements, and access to government hospital care.
Arts Practitioner Award recipients, one from each artistic field, will receive RM30,000 in cash, a certificate, and the ASN trophy.
The Arts Supporter Award, recognising contributions from media, corporate, and non-governmental organisations, carries RM10,000 in cash, a certificate, and the ASN trophy.
“MOTAC encouraged all Malaysians, regardless of background, to nominate deserving artists and contributors,” the ministry added.
Nomination forms and details are available at www.motac.gov.my, with completed submissions accepted via email or in person at:
Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia
Culture Policy Division, Level 4, Tower 1, Precinct 5, 62200 Putrajaya
MOTAC emphasised that public nominations close on May 11, 2026. — DayakDaily
