ART FESTIVAL TO BOOST LOCAL CULTURE

Deputy Minister of Tourism Datuk Dr James Dawos Mamit (second from right) draws water from a pot at the opening ceremony. With him are Datuk Maglin Dennis D’Cruz (right) and the director-general of the National Culture and Arts Department Datuk Norliza Rofli (left). — Picture by Hai Rozzaman Jalal

THE Gunung Ledang Arts Festival will become an annual event in an effort to attract more local and foreign tourists to the site.

Deputy Information, Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Maglin Dennis D'Cruz said the festival that is being held for the first time is one of the 20 collaborative programmes between his ministry, the Tourism Ministry and the National Culture and Arts Department.

He said making the festival an annual affair is a way to promote local arts and cultural activities in the area.

"This will help draw in tourists as Gunung Ledang is also famous for its legend and natural beauty. It was declared a national park in 2005. As a historical site for arts and culture, we hope the organiser will further develop and explore the potential of local arts and culture for tourism purposes," he said.

The three-day festival, themed "Puteri Ledang di Kaki Gunung", featured various local arts and cultures.

Maglin said the festival also revealed the wisdom of the previous generations in passing down the local culture.

Read more: Art festival to boost local culture http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/2jjbb/Article#ixzz1Mn0N5bHk

SOURCE: NST JOHOR STREET, MAY 19, 2011