By DayakDaily Team
SIBU, Aug 30: Sibu has been urged to submit an application to the Sarawak Government for a dedicated performing arts centre to support its growing arts and cultural scene.
According to TVS, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the proposal was worth considering given Sibu’s strong commitment to organising performing arts programmes, particularly in dance.
He said the city had many dedicated performing arts practitioners, with events such as the Sibu International Dance Festival (SIDF) demonstrating its potential to host more programmes at an international level.
“Personally, I see with interest the passion, dedication and commitment shown by those in Sibu in organising arts programmes such as SIDF, which is now entering its 12th edition.
“I believe and hope that a performing arts centre can also be built in Sibu,” he said in his speech at the SIDF 2026 Gala and Opening Night at a hotel here on Saturday (Aug 29).
Abdul Karim said Sibu could consider submitting an application to the Sarawak Government to seek support for the proposed facility.
He added that Sarawak was currently developing a performing arts centre in Kuching, which is expected to be completed by the end of next year.
According to him, facilities of this nature were important to support the growth of the performing arts industry in Sarawak while providing suitable venues for more international programmes to be held in cities such as Sibu.
The minister also assured that his ministry would continue to assess the forms of support that could be provided to strengthen the performing arts industry in the State.
“We came here with quite a large team. In fact, my Ministry’s Permanent Secretary is also here.
“We want to see how this is being implemented, and from there, we will know what form of support should be provided in the coming years,” he added.
He said Sarawak was continuing to strengthen its performing arts industry with the aim of raising the State’s standing in the field within the region. — DayakDaily
