The Setia Karya Hotel Art Campaign Contest presents a golden opportunity for Malaysian talents to showcase their unique works at the soon-to-be-opened Amari SPICE Penang and Amari Kuala Lumpur hotels.

Spearheaded by S P Setia, Setia Karya is supported by Malaysian Institute of Art, Malaysia Association of Hotels, Island Gallery and Penang Art District.

S P Setia deputy president and chief operating officer Datuk Seri Koe Peng Kang said he realised many Malaysian artists were losing hope due to the lack of income during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“So instead of spending money on art pieces by famous artists, we thought we would hold this campaign to discover local talents,” he said when launching the campaign at the Setia SPICE convention centre roof garden in Bayan Lepas, Penang.

“We believe this will give the struggling artists hope and let them know we appreciate their work.

“I believe Malaysia has great artists but they have not found a foothold yet.

“There are not enough platforms for Malaysian artists to showcase their work.”
Koe emphasised that this campaign also encouraged children with special needs to participate as Setia has a platform for them.

“The quality of their work does not matter as we just want to encourage them to do their best.

“There is no such thing as bad art. No work of art will be left unseen. We aim to display all the submitted artwork in the rooms of the upcoming Amari hotels.

“Every room in Amari SPICE Penang and Amari Kuala Lumpur will have a story to tell and we hope the paintings will become a talking point for travellers staying at the hotels,” he said.

The themes and concepts are based on the design narratives of the hotels; Amari SPICE Penang – Vibrance of the Orient, and Amari Kuala Lumpur – Vivarium of the East.

The campaign themes are to be interpreted by the artists.

Professionals, amateurs, students and art hobbyists of all ages who are Malaysian citizens or permanent residents are welcome to join the contest which is divided into two categories.

The first category involves sculptures and artefacts and the second category covers medium and mixed media paintings, digital artwork and illustration drawing.

Attractive cash prizes totalling up to RM252,000 await winning artists whose works will be chosen by a panel of esteemed judges.

The works submitted must be original and should not infringe upon the intellectual property rights of other parties.

Those interested in the contest may email devandranath.n@spsetia.com or call (012-621 3071) for the registration form and contesting artist guidebook.

The deadline for submission of applications is April 30.