Taiping Terima Lawatan Dari GESTURZ, UiTM

𝗨𝗶𝗧𝗠 𝗚𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗭 𝗣𝗔𝗬𝗦 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗧𝗘𝗦𝗬 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗧𝗢 𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗣𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗟 (𝗠𝗣𝗧), 𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗧 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗦 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗕𝗬 𝗣𝗨𝗥𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗣𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡

TAIPING - A vibrant blend of heritage, technology, and community spirit was set in motion when the Galeri Seni Tuanku Nur Zahirah (GESTURZ), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam, paid a meaningful courtesy call to the Taiping Municipal Council (MPT) on 30 May 2025. This inspiring meeting marked the beginning of a meaningful collaboration between academia and local government, united by a shared vision to transform Taiping’s historical charm into an engaging and dynamic public experience.

The UiTM GESTURZ delegation was led by Encik Mel Rasidi, Deputy Registrar who is currently serving as the Acting Director. He was accompanied by twelve members of the curation team, which included curatorial fellows (Puan Noriza Arzain & Puan Jenneta Ibrahim), graphic design and digital media coordinator (Puan Fazlina Jaafar), senior lecturer (Puan Nurzeti Hj Abd Ghafar) , administrative officers (Encik Aedie Azrul Ab Aziz, Puan Siti Soleha Salamun, and Puan Nurul Aida Mohd Sohaime), enthusiastic bachelor’s degree students from the graphic design & digital media programme (Sdr. Muazsyazani Bin Mahzan, Sdr. Ahmad Fauzan Mohammad Fazil, Sdr. Muhammad Saiful Izzat Mohd Nazri, and Sdr. Nur Aiman Fakhriy Mohd Azni Yusri) and freelancer (Sdr. Darwisy Mifzal Faizal).

Their arrival was warmly welcomed by the President of the Taiping Municipal Council, Tuan Khairul Amir Mohd Zubir, together with Encik TPr. Syahrulnizam Baharom, Director of the Urban Planning and Development Department and Encik Mohamad Aiman Hariz Mohamad Hafizullah, Administrative Officer.

The visit was held in conjunction with the launch of “Living Murals: Bringing Taiping’s History to Life with Augmented Reality”, a participatory interactive exhibition from 30 May to 1 June 2025 at eight selected mural locations in the heart of Taiping. The exhibition aims to transform static contemporary murals into dynamic, immersive experiences by integrating augmented reality technology (AR), making local history not only visible but also accessible and engaging for the public.

During the meeting, Encik Mel Rasidi delivered a presentation on the Living Murals exhibition, showcasing how creative technology is used to bridge cultural heritage with community engagement. He explained how the murals are transformed from static visuals into interactive touchpoints that narrate Taiping’s story in a way that resonates with today’s digitally connected audience. The session also included a presentation on UiTM GESTURZ’s profile and its curatorial programmes, highlighting the gallery’s ongoing efforts to promote participatory and impactful art experiences.

This collaborative exhibition is curated by UiTM GESTURZ the Graphic Design and Digital Media Programme from the Faculty of Art and Design, UiTM Selangor (Puncak Alam Campus), and the English Language Programme from the Academy of Language Studies, UiTM Shah Alam. The exhibition is powered by PORT – Unity Through Arts, a cultural agency funded by the Perak State Government. It is supported by the Taiping Municipal Council (MPT), collaboration from Antong Coffee Mill, mural artists from the Fine Arts Division of the School of the Arts,Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, the Fine Arts Programme of UiTM Perak (Seri Iskandar Campus), and the Perak chapter of the Malaysian Armed Forces Non-Pensionable Veterans Association (PVTTBM).

During the dialogue, the President of MPT shared insights into Taiping’s unique identity as the "town of many firsts" and its forward-looking vision to become a liveable and sustainable heritage town. Both parties explored the potential for future collaborations, particularly through academic and community-based networks that focus on branding heritage and sustainability programmes using curatorial strategies and creative approaches.

This visit represents more than just an exchange of ideas. It reflects a shared commitment to empowering communities through art, history, and technology. As Taiping’s stories are brought to life through mural paintings and augmented reality, this collaboration signals a powerful step towards making heritage more meaningful and participatory.

By weaving together the past, present, and future, the Living Murals exhibition serves as a reminder that heritage can thrive when it is made to speak, move, and inspire, especially when shaped by great minds united by purpose and passion. ~gesturz

Source: FB GESTURZ