Selamat Datang

Over the next three days, you will see artists from Malaysia, Australia, across Asia and Europe responding to Melaka's sites and the festival theme of 'transformation' in performance, visual arts, film and participatory projects

MAPFest is developing a strong reputation for bringing leading Malaysian, Australian and international artists together in performances and exhibitions throughout Melaka's stunning heritage precinct, including the majestic ruins of St Paul's Church. Festival events are free to all, and attract thousands of spectators.

The festival theme draws directly from Melakan history andtradition. On his inspiration, Tony Yap says: 'Looking to start a new kingdom, Parameswara was resting with his entourage on the side of a river when their dogs began chasing a small mouse deer. The mouse deer was cornered at the edge of the river. With nowhere to go it suddenly turned around, became fierce, and chased after the dogs! In this transformation, a timid mouse deer, turning around on the edge of being destroyed, Parameswara saw the sign he needed for the place to start his kingdom. It so happened he was sitting under a Melaka tree. So this is how Melaka got its name. This is set as the theme for MAPFest – ‘Turning Around’, a metaphor for spiritual transformation through the creative drive.'

This festival remains free and accessible for all. Continuing Melaka's rich history as a centre for meetings and exchange between cultures, it will create opportunities for artists and art lovers to share in each others' work and perspectives. We hope you enjoy the festival! Keep in touch with us at www.melakafestival.com

A Place of Cultural fusion – Past, Present and Future.  A place for artists to experiment and present  innovative performances, visual arts and media works to encourage the life of the arts in Malaysia, Asia and Internationally.

The Arts are necessary to propel the new. MAP seeks to promote Melaka to the world as a Creative Hub for innovative arts – where heritage is respected and artistic and cultural fusion is encouraged. Not just as entertainment but through a vibrant development of community involvement that integrates – and maps – the arts within the life of Melaka.

Melaka is fast developing commercially and there is a need to combine this with cultural and creative paths through a balance of spiritual and artistic maturity. Innovative focus and international collaborations will expose the community to a potentially vibrant new direction in the development of Melaka’s future within the Global MAP. 

* World-class festival with International performances and arts practices that focus on Experimentation & Innovation.
* Music, Dance, Visual Arts, Performance Art and Multimedia
* Celebrating the wealth of Multiculturalism (Melaka’s Heritage)
* Inclusive of the present & future, not just the past
* Community focused
* Preservation of Ruins (Photographic documentation)

TEAM:

Festival Producer : Andrew Ching
Creative Director: Tony Yap
Festival Collaborator : Kath Papas
Production and marketing: E-Plus Entertainment
Visual arts curator: Anthony Pelchen