KUALA LUMPUR, The National Art Gallery is hosting the Merdeka Suka Cipta 2024 to ignite the Merdeka spirit among the people through various arts and culture activities in conjunction with the National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations. Tourism, Art and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) secretary-general Datuk Roslan Abdul Rahman said MOTAC is committed to driving tourism, art and culture programmes through collaborations with various parties. 'This Merdeka Suka Cipta programme is a vital force in fostering the community's love for the country's visual arts, in line with Malaysia MADANI, which is based on six values, including creativity, emphasising innovation and empowering human capital,' he said when launching the two-day event here today. Senator Isaiah Jacob and National Art Gallery director-general Amerrudin Ahmad were also present. The programme, which ends tomorrow, is organised in collaboration with Mono Motion Digital Solutions, LC Merchandising, Power Root Berhad, Gardenia Bakeries (KL), Nestle Malaysi a, Kadokawa Gempak Starz, Mohle Skateboards, Sibling Skateboard and Swyv Footwear. According to Roslan, it features various activities, such as painting, sculpture design, creative costume design and figurative art contests. '…the creative costume design competition features a unique element where participants are required to showcase costume designs inspired by the country's visual art collection,' he said, adding that he hopes that the programme can enhance the appreciation of visual arts among Malaysians as well as boost creativity, which in turn can draw more domestic tourists to the National Art Gallery. Roslan said the National Art Gallery had been actively hosting various art programmes, including art-related competitions. Among the activities at the Merdeka Suka Cipta event are skateboarding, fingerboard, pound rockout workout, Zumba, wall climbing, art workshops, stage performances and a three-kilometre fun walk. Source: BERNAMA News Agency