The eagerly awaited Yayasan Sime Darby Arts Festival (YSDAF) 2023 is set to take place during the weekend of August 19th and 20th, 2023.
The Yayasan Sime Darby Arts Festival (YSDAF), Malaysia's most expansive arts festival open to all without charge, is poised for a triumphant return following a five-year hiatus. YSDAF 2023, presented in collaboration with Yayasan Sime Darby and The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac), commenced its journey in February under the theme "Shout it Out: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow." The festival will culminate with a grand finale on August 19th and 20th, 2023.Since its inception in 2014, this biennial event has firmly established itself as a key highlight on the local arts calendar. Attracting 50,000 attendees and generating 2600 employment opportunities for artists and arts professionals, it has become an integral part of the cultural landscape. The upcoming edition holds special significance as it marks the festival's resurgence following a pandemic-induced hiatus in 2020.More than just an artistic spectacle, YSDAF 2023 is dedicated to shedding light on issues of utmost importance to Malaysians, encompassing community, health, education, and the environment. Continuously building upon previous strides towards diversity and inclusivity, YSDAF strives to create a more welcoming and encompassing festival atmosphere.As the sole festival in Malaysia with a crew trained in Disability Equality and Disability Related Services, YSDAF remains steadfast in its commitment to the "arts for all" ethos, expanding its reach to encompass various communities and concerns.YSDAF 2023 will spotlight an entirely Malaysian lineup, uniting emerging talents with seasoned figures in a collective effort to revitalize the nation's arts sector and combat the talent drain crisis it confronts. Encompassing nearly 350 exhibitions and events spread across 19 distinct locations within klpac, the festival will engage approximately 1000 artists and crew members, with an expected turnout of at least 18,000 festival-goers.YSDAF 2023 pledges an enchanting celebration for all members of the Malaysian community, showcasing the rich tapestry of the local arts scene, spanning traditional to contemporary expressions, dance to theatre, mainstream to avant-garde. The festival will also incorporate interactive workshops, demonstrations, installations, screenings, and more, spanning a 48-hour period.Date: 19th & 20th August 2023 (Saturday & Sunday)TimeDay Festival: 11.00am – 8.00pmOutdoor Bands Concert: 5.00pm till lateIndoor Gala Night Concert(Unforgettable: Lagenda Malaysia): 8.30pm – 10.00pmVenue: The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac), Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan (Off Jalan Ipoh), 51100 KL.Admission: Free Entry (non-ticketed except Gala Night)Save the dates and prepare to raise your voices in celebration at YSDAF 2023, a joyous commemoration of the arts, accessible to all without charge. For further details, please visit www.ysdartsfestival.com.my.