CIMB Artober to feature over 1,000 artworks; raises the bar for Malaysian art scene

24 October 2024

The art fair which runs from 25-27 Oct will feature works by 100 artists and 20 local galleries

Kuala Lumpur: CIMB Group Holdings Berhad (“CIMB” or “the Group”) returns with CIMB Artober Art & Soul, the Group’s annual celebration of art, culture and lifestyle, aimed at supporting and empowering the Malaysian art community while elevating Malaysia’s position as a world-class arts and culture hub. The art fair will run from Friday, 25 October to Sunday, 27 October at Hall 1, Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (“MITEC”), Kuala Lumpur, and admission is free. 

CIMB Artober is set to spotlight Malaysia’s most creative and artistic minds, with a curation of over 1000 captivating artworks by more than 100 artists, presented by 20 local galleries including Taksu, Sareng, Segaris, Galeri Puteh and more. In addition, the art fair will also showcase 30 seminal artworks from The AFK Collection, a robust collection of first generation works of Malaysian contemporary artists dedicated to the preservation and documentation of contemporary art in the country. The collection will also feature the transformative artworks of Fauzan Omar, one of Malaysia’s most respected contemporary artists.

The launch of CIMB Artober was graced by KDYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong Raja Zarith Sofiah, together with Tan Sri Mohd Nasir Ahmad, Chairman of CIMB Group as well as various senior leaders of CIMB Group. Royal Sembilan showcased a fashion show titled Bungolado featuring a special songket collection woven by inmates from Penjara Marang, through one of the prison’s rehabilitation programmes.

Tan Sri Mohd Nasir Ahmad said, “CIMB Artober Art & Soul has proven to be an important economic engine for the Malaysian art ecosystem, generating over RM15 million to date and benefiting at least 200 artists since its inception. This art fair has since gained a greater following, stronger traction and a wider audience, and we hope that Artober will continue its legacy of contributing to the economic empowerment of local artists and designers."

“Embedded into CIMB’s 100-year history is a deep and profound appreciation for the arts, which underpins our commitment to strengthening the Malaysian arts and cultural ecosystem. CIMB believes in art as a conduit for cultural preservation and community building, as well as being integral to uplifting the local economy for the creatives. We are pleased to play our part in rendering art accessible to a much wider audience, accelerating Kuala Lumpur’s budding reputation as an established arts capital in Southeast Asia."

The weekend-long activities at the fair will include an exciting series of fashion shows featuring the latest art-to-wear collections by veteran designers such as Dato’ Radzuan Radziwill and Ezuwan Ismail, talented local fashion students from three prestigious design schools: University Teknologi MARA (Perak), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology, and Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, as well as the works of 13-year-old LeiYa Lim.

As a platform for Malaysians to engage in conversations and discourse on art, CIMB Artober will also present a series of thought-provoking art talks by prominent figures in the local art scene, moderated by public figure Khairy Jamaluddin and Dato’ Tiffanee Marie Lim of Limkokwing University of Creative Technology.

In honour of CIMB’s 100-year anniversary and its new social movement, Kita Bagi Jadi, which celebrates the Bank’s long history of advocating for economic inclusion among communities and supporting talent in many fields, CIMB Artober will also feature a series of special performances by the talented young musicians of the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (“MPYO”) which will take place over the weekend.

As part of CIMB Artober, CIMB cardholders will be able to enjoy a 10% discount on minimum spending of RM10,000 and a 15% discount for spending above RM25,000 on a single receipt with any CIMB debit, credit or prepaid card at the participating galleries. Terms & Conditions apply.

More information on CIMB Artober 2024 is available on https://www.cimb.com.my/artober2024.