KUALA LUMPUR, January 8 – IKAT 2.0, an immersive platform dedicated to preserving Malaysian textile heritage, begins its year-long program, showcasing at The Godown Art Centre in Kuala Lumpur from 6th to 7th January 2024. The initiative aims to rejuvenate public engagement with Malaysian textile heritage through innovation, strategic partnerships, and immersive experiences.
IKAT 2.0 will travel to Penang, Terengganu, and Kuching in subsequent events throughout the year, each featuring unique themes, heritage textiles, artisans, and curators. The program includes an immersive installation, heritage textile gallery, hands-on workshops, talks, and a fashion showcase. The first edition, titled “Whispers of Borneo’s Dreams,” focuses on Bornean artisanal textiles, featuring the Iban handwoven textile Pua Kumbu, pis embroidery of the Rungus tribe, and beaded art.
The initiative aims to raise awareness, cultivate appreciation for heritage textiles, and contribute to the preservation of Malaysian cultural treasures. IKAT 2.0 is a three-year commitment, with the first year focused on awareness, the second on expanding influence through partnerships, and the third on establishing a dynamic network and digital archive. The project is a collaboration between IKAT, an experiential design team, and is powered by Yayasan Hasanah, a foundation dedicated to preserving Malaysian arts, heritage, and culture.
