Latest news with #culturalstorytelling
ABC News
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
'Get it off the page and onto the stage': DKPOET reimagines 20yo poem into rap anthem 'Viti'
Every writer or musician has a stash of ideas tucked away — unfinished verses, half-written melodies, or concepts waiting for the right moment to shine. For DKPOET, also known as Daren Kamali, that moment came two decades after he first penned a poem about his experience migrating from Fiji to Aotearoa New Zealand and "never forgetting the old ways". Teaming up with NZ/Samoan producer MOSO, the duo have transformed a 20-year-old poem into a powerful rap anthem titled 'Viti', proving that no idea is ever too old to find new life. Of Fijian and Wallis and Futuna heritage, DKPOET is a celebrated writer, musician, and cultural storyteller known for taking his poetry "off the page" and onto stages as a performance artist. Rapped entirely in the Fijian Bauan dialect, 'Viti' blends ancestral lyricism with the rich textures of Pacific soul-funk, creating a sound that links the traditional with the contemporary. "For me, Viti (Fiji) was an inspiration growing up there, and I wanted to tell my story," he told Nesia Daily. "Everyone's got a story to tell, and you can tell it in different ways."
Forbes
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Fashion As Cultural Record: Lessons On Preservation From The Archive
Michele Y. Smith serves as MoPOP's CEO, a mission-focused leader with extensive experience in nonprofit business development. When people think of archives, they often imagine dusty documents or ancient artifacts locked behind glass. But fashion is a form of storytelling. The clothes we wear and those worn by past generations capture moments, reflect cultural shifts and become symbols of identity and resistance. Fashion is one of the core pillars of pop culture, alongside music, film and gaming, yet it is often dismissed as frivolous. In truth, it is one of the most accessible and expressive forms of cultural storytelling. Why Shifting The Narrative Matters For Cultural Institutions For leaders of cultural institutions, shifting this narrative could be critical to your mission and relevance. When you elevate fashion as a legitimate cultural artifact, you can expand your collection and help democratize access to history. Fashion often speaks to audiences who might never step foot in a traditional museum, particularly for those who understand clothing as identity and self-expression. By taking fashion seriously, cultural institutions could attract new visitors, secure diverse funding opportunities and position themselves as forward-thinking stewards of contemporary culture. I think this year's Met Gala theme of Black dandyism is particularly relevant in this context, as it challenges traditional notions of gender and self-expression. In a time when personal identity is increasingly celebrated and explored, dandyism encourages individuals to embrace sartorial statements that defy conventions. This theme compels us to take fashion seriously as a form of artistic expression and a reflection of cultural dynamics. More Than Style This spring, my organization hosted a limited-time exhibit featuring garments from Princess Diana's wardrobe and explored how she used style as a language. Her wardrobe became a form of communication, expressing resilience, vulnerability and independence. Her garments were not just beautiful; they were symbols of her journey, her struggles and her quiet acts of defiance in the face of global scrutiny. Princess Diana's fashion journey has been reinterpreted by new generations, especially Gen-Z, who often see a story of autonomy and self-definition in her wardrobe. Her style has found a second life online, not just because of its aesthetic appeal, but because of what it represented. I think this digital resurgence is a reminder of how fashion can serve as both a personal narrative and a cultural touchstone, and working with her archive reminded me of some important things about preservation. How Cultural Institutions Can Help Preserve Fashion Preserving fashion isn't just about keeping garments safe—it's about preserving stories. Clothing is history woven into fabric. The role of cultural institutions is to ensure that these stories remain accessible, allowing future generations to engage with them in meaningful ways. For cultural institutions looking to deepen their impact, fashion archiving offers a unique opportunity. It allows us to document not only design and style but also the social, political and cultural contexts that shaped them. A garment can be a protest, a symbol of freedom or an expression of cultural pride. Institutions should prioritize: Tell the stories behind each garment. Effective storytelling requires going beyond the surface aesthetics to uncover the human drama behind each piece. Leaders should prioritize thorough research that delves into the origin of the garment, its creator and the time period it represents. Consdier collaborating with fashion historians, cultural anthropologists and community elders who can provide authentic context. Ask provocative questions: What was happening politically when this was worn? Who had access to this style, and who didn't? How did this garment challenge or reinforce social norms? The most compelling fashion stories often reveal power dynamics, economic realities or social movements that shaped entire generations. Leaders should also consider the emotional connections that garments can evoke. Each piece has the potential to represent personal stories, aspirations or milestones in individuals' lives, so it is important to highlight these connections in the narrative. Incorporating multimedia elements, such as video interviews with individuals who wore the garments or interactive displays, can bring stories to life and create a more immersive experience for viewers. Ultimately, I recommend leaders focus on weaving these elements together to craft a compelling story that not only informs but also inspires. Involve the public in the storytelling process. Allow them to share their interpretations and personal connections. Create multiple touchpoints for public participation. This could be a dedicated space where visitors can record stories triggered by garments or social media campaigns encouraging users to post vintage pieces with family histories attached. Position your institution as a facilitator rather than the sole authority by hosting intergenerational fashion shows, partnering with local designers for panel discussions and creating response walls where people can leave notes about their emotional connections to pieces. By actively recognizing and valuing public contribution, institutions can create a richer tapestry of storytelling that reflects diverse perspectives and encourages deeper engagement. Leverage technology to extend the reach of your fashion archives. Virtual exhibits and social media can bring these stories to life. I've noticed that successful virtual fashion exhibits require more than static photography; they need to capture the movement, texture and emotional resonance of clothing. You may want to invest in 360-degree photography and video content that shows garments in motion and consider ways to bring AR and VR into the fold. Can a viewer see how the garment would look on them? Can they be transported into the historical context of the piece? Another option may include building partnerships with fashion schools, whose students can help create compelling digital content in exchange for internship credits, or with tech companies that can provide devices to bring it all to life. However, when utilizing technology, don't let it overshadow storytelling or forget about accessibility. The most successful digital fashion archives I've seen combine high-quality visuals with audio stories from the people who lived in these clothes. Through embracing fashion as a cultural record, museums and cultural institutions can become stewards of stories that matter. They can create connections between generations, spark conversations and ensure that the creative expressions of the past continue to inspire, educate and empower for years to come. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Free Malaysia Today
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
Tiara Jacquelina tells of financial toll in championing the arts in Malaysia
(From left) Kakiseni president and film director Low Ngai Yuen (moderator), classical dancer Ramli Ibrahim, producer Tiara Jacquelina and fashion designer Bernard Chandran at the arts forum organised by the Merdeka Award Trust. KUALA LUMPUR : Award-winning producer and director Tiara Jacquelina has opened up about the immense challenges of financing the arts in Malaysia after pouring her own money and energy into creating large-scale productions that championed Malaysian stories. Tiara, a driving force behind some of Malaysia's most iconic productions, described the pressure of justifying art in commercial terms as exhausting. The arts advocate told a forum here today that despite her commitment to national identity and cultural storytelling, she grew tired of constantly having to 'knock on doors' just to make a case for support. 'I did it all for the love of the arts, but I learned the hard way that passion alone isn't sustainable,' said the founder of the Enfiniti Academy of Musical Theatre and Performing Arts. At one point, Tiara secured RM1 million in sponsorship from a major corporate body. However, she said it was an amount that came with strings attached. She was expected to deliver up to three times in returns, alongside key performance indicators (KPIs), publicity deliverables, and media coverage. Instead of nurturing creativity, she found herself buried in spreadsheets. 'Just as I was stepping into the director's role, I was handed demands for TV airtime, publicity, ticket targets and other requests. That's not the role of an artist – that's a media agency's job,' she said. Tiara added that because of the lack of proper partnerships available to artists, many of them have had to compromise their visions to fit into corporate moulds. 'Beyond sponsorships, what we really need is a model thinking in terms of community and ecosystem building. 'If we want to see a thriving arts sector in the next five years, both the government and corporate Malaysia must commit to long-term investment in the development of artists and their work.' Tiara was speaking at a forum titled Profit Meets Performance: When Arts Means Business organised by the Merdeka Award Trust here. Low Ngai Yuen, president of the arts and culture NGO Kakiseni and moderator of the session, agreed that the arts ecosystem in Malaysia lacks the structure and support needed for creatives to thrive. Dancer and founder of the Sutra Foundation, Ramli Ibrahim, noted that the value of the arts should not be measured by financial metrics alone. 'You can't define the success of the arts in ringgit and sen,' he said, stressing that the 'profit' of arts lies in its influence on people. Fashion designer Bernard Chandran took the conversation further, stating creatives needed to be given freedom by businesses in order to see their visions realised. 'You can have all the money and tools in the world, but if they don't represent your aesthetic, your voice — it means nothing.'
Malay Mail
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
The "Amazing Shenzhen" Campaign Invited Indonesian Influencers to explore Shenzhen's Energy and Innovation
SHENZHEN, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 3 July 2025 - Coordinated by YoyWow Communication Co., Ltd., the "Amazing Shenzhen" campaign invited three Indonesian creators to experience the city's rhythm, culture, and creative energy three popular Southeast Asian content creators are Fadil Jaidi, Alwi Fachry, and Abi Nugroho — known for their humor, sincerity, and close connection with young audiences — each produced content offering a personal lens into Shenzhen's spirit of innovation and three influencers recently explored Shenzhen as part of the "Amazing Shenzhen" campaign, offering authentic snapshots of China's tech-forward city through vlogs and reels. Their content reached over 3 million viewers globally within 24 more than tourism promotion; it was cultural storytelling. Through humor and unfiltered observations, these creators reshaped international perceptions of Chinese urban life, particularly for younger Southeast Asian star Fadil Jaidi brought his signature humor and warmth to a vivid Shenzhen vlog. From Dapeng Fortress to the Shenzhen Mosque, he shared upbeat reactions to robot check-ins and the city's vibrant spirit. ( Fadil's Vlog Alwi's reel blended spontaneity with visual flair — skyline views from Ping An Tower, silhouette art in Nantou, and Zhongshuge Library. His reel revealed a city where heritage meets future design. ( Alwi's Vlog Abi shared calm, composed visuals of Shenzhen — from historic Dapeng to MixC World and halal-friendly cafés. His vlog highlighted cultural accessibility and quiet #AmazingShenzhen The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About "Amazing Shenzhen" "Amazing Shenzhen" is a global-facing city campaign inviting creators to explore Shenzhen's energy and innovation. For media inquiries and visual assets, contact: [email protected].
