Cover Photo: Riuh
Photo: Riuh
1 / 1
Malaysia's foremost creative platform RIUH takes the digital space by storm this month with a virtual arts festival to promote local businesses and support creatives during the pandemic
This year marks the fourth anniversary of RIUH, the arts collective behind Kuala Lumpur's best loved art markets and festivals including the Tiffin Ber-Riuh Raya weekend at Sentul Depot earlier this year.
A staunch supporter of Malaysia's community of creatives and of small local businesses, RIUH has pulled out all the stops to organise RIUH 4 Rakyat: an online festival happening now until August 31 showcasing a variety of jam sessions, food, fun online activities and retail offerings by local businesses, performers, creative facilitators and visual designers.
Besides working with businesses and individuals to make this virtual event a success, RIUH has also joined forces with other arts organisations including Cult Creative, Kakiseni and Buy for Impact by MaGIC.
Related: What To Know About Cult Creative, Malaysia’s First Professional Networking Platform for Creatives
Even in lockdown, RIUH has exciting musical performances in store. Don't miss the RIUH 4 Rakyat Show this Friday night via Peatix Live: featuring the musical talents of Airliftz, Talitha Tan, Asyraf Nasir, Mafidz and Lunadira & Reddi Rocket. Meanwhile, photography enthusiasts can join Riuh's Lifestyle Photography Zoom workshop on August 29, hosted by Instax, A Random Place and All Is Amazing, .
See also: Iqbal Ameer Of Livescape Asia On How The Internet Is Transforming Asia's Live Music Industry
Shoppers can also keep an eye out for delightful treats and wares from around 40 participating businesses, including local puzzle-makers Pico Olo, Clayground Crafts, Halo Doughnut, The Hungry Tapir, Wonderbrew, Ili Pot and Grind Shack, to name a few. With every RM1 spent, RIUH will match RM1 to four Covid-relief organisations: Projek Bangsa Malaysia for Frontliners, Tempatan Food Bank by Tempatan Fest, Malaysian Mental Health Association (MMHA) and Refuge for Refugees. A portion of the proceeds from the shows and activities in the festival will also be channeled to these organisations.
Above Marissa Wambeck, head of RIUH (Photo: All Is Amazing)
Marissa Wambeck, head of RIUH (Photo: All Is Amazing)
1 / 1
While the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns in Malaysia have placed enormous strain on local businesses as well as the creative community, RIUH has rallied to meet the challenges of the new normal, recently revamping its website to offer exciting digital experiences and give local enterprises and creatives a platform to expand their reach in these stifling times.
"We wanted to do our part as Malaysians, and RIUH 4 Rakyat is our way of lending a hand to the creatives, the needy and the community at large in a fun, engaging and educational way," says Marissa Wambeck, head of RIUH.
More: Kick Off Merdeka With These Desserts & Snacks From Local Brands
"Although the future is still so uncertain, the spirit of RIUH will continue to persevere through our online platforms and initiatives," she enthuses, hinting this optimistic news for RIUH fans in the near future:
"We're also getting ready to adapt to the new normal in terms of physical events: expect fresh concepts that will be safe but also the "RIUH" we love and miss."
Follow RIUH on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about this online festival and for details on how to contribute directly to RIUH's fundraising initiative.
Previously contributing to Esquire Malaysia, Expat Lifestyle and Newsweek, Tania oversees digital stories across Tatler’s key content pillars, also leading the Front & Female platform exploring issues and topics affecting women today.
