WAK Festival 2026 Invites Creatives to ‘Shoots’ Theme Call for Proposals

The What About Kuching Festival (WAK Festival) has launched its call for proposals. This marks the eighth edition. The festival theme for 2026 is “Shoots.” This theme represents emergence and renewal. It also signifies courageous growth. Creatives are invited to shape the festival. Communities and organizations can also submit proposals. Cultural practitioners are welcome. Submissions are open to those from Sarawak and the region.

‘Shoots’: A Theme of Growth

Festival director Donald Tan introduced the “Shoots” theme. He explained its deep meaning. Roots ground us, but shoots help us move forward. “Shoots” symbolize new life. They represent new talents emerging. They also highlight new collaborations forming. Furthermore, they showcase new creative enterprises. These are taking shape across Sarawak. This call for proposals is an open invitation. It is an invitation to join this growth. The festival seeks bold ideas. It encourages experimental formats. Cross-disciplinary collaborations are sought. Creative startups are also encouraged. The goal is to engage diverse audiences.

A Platform for Diverse Genres

WAK Festival celebrates arts, culture, and lifestyle. It is Sarawak’s premier community festival. It offers an open-access platform. The festival welcomes many genres. Music proposals are highly encouraged. Visual arts are also welcome. Design projects can be submitted. Digital innovation ideas are invited. Culinary experiences can be featured. Performance art is a key area. Lifestyle programming also fits the theme. The festival aims to be the biggest yet. It also aims to be the most impactful. Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah officiated the launch. He noted the festival’s importance. It is a significant feature on Sarawak’s calendar. It plays a key role in promoting tourism. It also supports the creative industry’s growth.

Festival Dates and Locations

The WAK Festival will span multiple locations. Satellite festivals will occur first. These will take place in Sibu and Miri. The Sibu satellite festival is from June 12 to 14, 2026. The Miri satellite festival runs from June 19 to 21, 2026. Following these, the main Kuching festival begins. It will run throughout October 2026. Creatives can perform and showcase work. Venues will be across Sibu, Miri, and Kuching. The festival provides an open platform. This platform is for local and regional talent. International creatives are also invited.

Community-Driven and Inclusive

The WAK Festival thrives on community energy. It is not built by one organization. It is shaped by a community. This community believes in creativity. Creativity acts as a catalyst. It fosters connection and opportunity. It drives progress. The festival encourages first-time creators. It also invites established practitioners. Mentorship and collaboration are key. “Shoots” is about momentum. It ensures creations grow beyond the festival. The event has grown significantly since 2017. It is now one of Sarawak’s most anticipated events. The previous edition saw 110 proposals. More submissions are expected this year. Embassies and cultural attaches are being contacted. They may sponsor international groups. This helps elevate the festival’s standards.

Shaping Sarawak’s Creative Future

The WAK Festival is vital for Sarawak. It showcases the state’s art and culture. It reaches both local and international visitors. The festival has become a flagship event. It reflects Sarawak’s identity. The people are creative, diverse, and forward-looking. The “Shoots” theme perfectly captures this spirit. It looks towards new beginnings. It embraces emerging talents. It fosters innovation. Creatives are urged to submit their proposals. This is their opportunity to contribute. They can help shape Sarawak’s creative landscape. The festival is a celebration. It highlights unity in diversity. It showcases creativity in harmony.