This October, Kuching will transform into a vibrant canvas of creativity as the What About Kuching (WAK) Festival 2025 returns from October 1 to 31. Celebrating its seventh edition, WAK 2025 embraces the theme “Roots”, inviting communities to delve into Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage and diverse artistic expressions.
A Community-Driven Celebration
WAK is a month-long, open-access festival that thrives on community participation. From music and dance to visual arts and culinary showcases, the festival offers a platform for local talents to share their passions and stories. This year, the focus is on grassroots engagement, emphasizing:
- Open Mic Platforms: Encouraging spontaneous performances and storytelling.
- Visual Arts: Showcasing works that reflect Sarawak’s diverse cultures.
- Handicrafts: Highlighting traditional crafts and artisans.
- Cultural Heritage: Preserving and promoting indigenous traditions.
- Lifestyle Activities: Celebrating the everyday practices that define local communities.
As Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, stated, “WAK 2025 will place greater focus on Open Mic Platforms, Visual Arts, Handicrafts, Cultural Heritage, and lifestyle-driven pursuits, ensuring an inclusive celebration of Sarawak’s creative spirit”.
Expanding Horizons: WAK Beyond Kuching
WAK 2025 extends its reach with satellite festivals:
- WAK Sibu: June 6–8, 2025
- WAK Miri: June 13–15, 2025
These events aim to engage broader audiences and provide more opportunities for regional artists to participate. Festival director Donald Tan emphasized the importance of this expansion, stating, “WAK 2025 will strengthen grassroots participation, providing more platforms for emerging artists, local artisans, and cultural advocates to showcase their craft”.
Be Part of the Festival
WAK 2025 invites creatives from Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei, Kalimantan, Singapore, Peninsular Malaysia, and beyond to contribute. Whether you’re an artist, performer, or cultural enthusiast, you can submit your event proposals through the official WAK website. Deadlines are:
- WAK Sibu & WAK Miri: May 8, 2025
- WAK Kuching: June 27, 2025
For more information and to submit proposals, visit aboutkuching.com.
Save the Dates
- WAK Sibu: June 6–8, 2025
- WAK Miri: June 13–15, 2025
- WAK Kuching: October 1–31, 2025
Join us in celebrating the arts, culture, and lifestyle of Sarawak. Experience the vibrancy of local communities and the richness of their traditions at WAK 2025.
Stay updated on festival news and events by following WAK on social media:
