Visual art approach to promoting Malaysia’s art and cultural heritage overseas

• Published in: International Colloquium of Art and Design Education Research (i-CADER 2014)
• Main Author: Basaree R.O.; Legino R.; Ahmad M.Y.
• Format: Book chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Springer Singapore 2016
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84955372706&doi=10.1007%2f978-981-287-332-3_69&partnerID=40&md5=a4958e1457b0e1724461aed434385fe1

This paper examines how visual art appreciation can be used as one of the constructive guidelines to help Malaysian officials promote Malaysian art and heritageabroad. Its aim is also to explore the potential ofdeveloping a national monitoringand art appreciation policy to serve the same purpose. A detailed investigation of existing national guidelines covering art and cultural activities such as the National Cultural Policy, National Heritage Act and National Art Gallery Act will be conducted to identify their current weaknesses. The investigation will begin with a textual analysis followed by an in-depth study of these guidelines to developatraining model that can fit the new artistic and formalistic approach. The training programme would comprisethe brief study of art history, the various styles, origins, context, media and methods used in the creative processes to enrich the understanding of Malaysian art and cultural heritage. The training will enhance thecompetency of Malaysian officials to interpret works of art, recognize what is valuable and draw meaning from them through refl ection and discussion with others as a way of making connections with the outside world. An expected outcome of this study will be the formulation and adoption of a more robust policy of Malaysia’s imagery, through a national visual art appreciation policy that can be used by all Malaysian agencies involved in promoting Malaysian cultural and art heritage abroad. The policy as it is hoped will also contribute towardsthe development of greater understanding and expertise in art and cultural appreciation among members of the public in the interest of protecting and preserving Malaysia’s rich arts and cultural heritage nationally © Springer Science+Business Media Singapore 2015.