ENTRIES FOR 29TH  BAKAT MUDA SEZAMAN OPEN UNTIL OCT 7  

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 1 (Bernama) -- Participation for the prestigious visual arts competition, the 29th edition of the Bakat Muda Sezaman (BMS29), is now open to young Malaysian artists aged between 18 and 35.  

In a statement today, the National Art Gallery (Balai Seni Negara) said this year, BSM29 (Young Contemporaries Talent), which has been an important platform showcasing emerging local visual art talents since 1974, introduces a “Site-Specific” approach, with Langkawi chosen as the main backdrop for artistic creations.  

“Participants will have the opportunity to create works rooted in local history, culture, ecology and folklore. Participation is free and open to Malaysian citizens and permanent residents aged between 18 and 35 this year,” the statement said.  

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Five suggested location clusters have been identified, namely Cluster A (CHOGM Monument and Park, Lagenda Beach, and Kuah Tourist Jetty), Cluster B (Pulau Tuba), Cluster C (Old Kuah Hospital, Old Kuah Hospital Quarters, 0 Kilometre Landmark), Cluster D (Kuah Public Market), and Cluster E (Anggerik Lestari People’s Housing Project).  

Participants are free to submit physical, digital, performance, interactive or mixed-media works, either individually, in groups or through collaborations with the local community in Langkawi.  

The National Art Gallery said participation is free and submissions close at 5 pm on Oct 7, while the announcement of selected participants is scheduled for Oct 14.  

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“Selected participants will attend the BMS29 Workshop in Langkawi from Nov 15 to 25, 2025. Throughout this workshop, they will be guided by experienced curators and facilitators to refine their project proposals,” it said.  

Artwork installations will begin in March 2026, followed by judging, the announcement of winners and the exhibition launch in April 2026.  

To help participants better understand BMS29, the National Art Gallery will hold briefing sessions on Oct 1 to 3, as well as Oct 6 and 7, 2025, from 3 pm to 4 pm physically at the National Art Gallery, in addition to live streaming on its official social media platforms.  

Young artists interested may complete the participation form online and submit their proposals along with supporting documents via the official website www.artgallery.gov.my/bms. For further enquiries, they may contact the secretariat at bakatmudasezaman@artgallery.gov.my. 

-- BERNAMA