ICACA reinforces the role of art in various sectors

KUCHING, Sept. 23: The 8th International Conference on Applied and Creative Arts (ICACA) 2026 strengthens the role of art in various sectors including education, tourism, innovation, creative economy and community welfare.

The elderly wife of the State of Sarawak, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi said that art and creativity not only play a role in preserving culture but also make important contributions to various fields.

"Utilised and creative art plays an important role in the future as it not only helps to preserve culture, but also contributes to education, tourism, innovation, creative economy and community well-being.

"In this regard, conferences such as ICACA are important as a platform to bring together various parties for the exchange of views, sharing knowledge and opening up opportunities for further cooperation after the conference ends.

"At ICACA 2026, participants are also encouraged to think not only about what is produced, but also the purpose and reason for a work being produced", he said while speaking at the launch of International Conference Of Applied And Creative Arts (ICACA) 2026 in Samarahan City on Wednesday.

He said the application of cultural elements in new forms or approaches should take into account their origins and respect the communities that inherited them.

He argued that innovation in the arts should reinforce cultural values and meaning, rather than undermining the identity and heritage contained within it.

ICACA 2026 is organized by the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) through the Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts (FSGK) in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sabah and Institute of Indonesian Art Yogyakarta.

The conference also received continued support from PETRONAS Sarawak and other sponsors including the Sarawak Arts Council, Sarawak Kraf Council and BE Sarawak.

A total of 42 physical and online presentations were presented through the conference with participation from Malaysia, Indonesia, China, United Kingdom and Oman. -TVS