FACE 2015 Highlights ASEAN Community Arts And Culture

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 (Bernama) -- The Festival of ASEAN Cultural Expressions (FACE) 2015 is capable of becoming a unifying medium through the introduction of ASEAN arts and culture to the world, said Deputy Tourism and Culture Minister Mas Ermiyatie Samsudin. "We share a lot in common and that makes it easier for ASEAN to create a common identity and build a caring and sharing society... this six-day event will definitely bring us closer as one harmonious and creative community," she said when launching FACE 2015, here, Saturday. She added that the interactive activities at the festival would also enhance fostering of friendship among the organisation's member countries. With the theme 'ASEAN Village', FACE 2015 presents art performances, traditional games and visual arts from 10 ASEAN member countries. FACE 2015 is expected to attract more than 20,000 visitors to Nu Sentral (the latest trendy shopping mall in the heart of KL Sentral, Malaysia's largest transit hub) where it is being held from Oct 15 to 20. Brunei Culture, Youth and Sports Ministry performing arts head coach Shahminan Mohamad Yasin said the festival is a medium and opportunity for artists to exchange views to raise the quality of art and culture in their respective countries. "We (ASEAN countries) have almost the same art and culture, so it is easier to understand and provide opinions in such fields," he told Bernama. Indonesia's Ministry of Education and Culture Director-General for Culture, Gentur Adiutama said unifying the art and culture of 10 countries into a festival like FACE 2015 could draw a wider range of communities towards ASEAN arts from the world. Meanwhile, Singapore's Artiste Seni Budaya dan Persadaku Seni dance choreographer Rizman Kassim sees the festival as a good medium to facilitate the people appreciate the beauty of ASEAN arts. A total of 84 participants are involved in the festival held under the ASEAN Committee for Culture and Information (ASEAN-COCI) and is a continuation of the Mini Cultural Festival of ASEAN held in Brunei last year. -- BERNAMA