It’s almost unreal that the Klang Valley art scene has been buzzing with activities non-stop for the past month. You’d think that as we enter into what is described as the worst recession since the Depression that programmes would have been scaled down or decommissioned altogether.

To most art commentators, it’s likely the other way round. Without the financial lure or the constant need to validate production against commercial success, artists are said to be able to be artists again. The ability to focus on one’s work in these tougher times means that the quality of the work comes from an engagement that is lot more authentic, shorn of the prospect of financial gains.

However, what needs to be asked is whether the independent scene in Malaysia has a culture of perseverance? While Malaysia’s independent initiatives are lacklustre compared to its Southeast Asia counterparts, we’re not without precedence. The Instant Cafe theatre, for example, was a child of the ’87 financial dip. We’ve more artist-run initiatives today than before. All we need, I guess, is a commitment to see this period as an opportunity to think through art, redefine our practice and envision new approaches that might perhaps more accurately reflect what ‘independent’ means. 

In this spirit, ARTERI recommends a Saturday outing (23 May 2009) to Rimbun Dahan’s ‘Dancing In Place’, followed by Lost Generation Space’s Housewarming.  

‘Dancing in Place’ features seven site-specific pieces by emerging choreographers amidst the lush green compound of Rimbun Dahan. Responding to both the natural environs as well as the architectural structures of the places, ranging from the traditional Malay Kampung house to the swimming pool to the forest ground, the programme is a laid-back introduction to a range of practices in contemporary Malaysia dance. Just remember to bring your own mosquito repellant and a bottle of water! For more information, please click here.

Later in the evening, we suggest heading over to Lost Generation Space’s new dig. That’s right, they’ve moved from their Robson Heights bungalow, but only a few blocks down the road. To celebrate this occasion, there will be performances and an exhibition of works by local and overseas artists, including Dean Linguey, George Wielgus, Sun Kang Jye, Rahmat Haron, Yeoh Lean Heng, Koon Tan, Tsuji Lam, Nurul Hamizah Mohamad, Eva Chan Lai Kuen. 

Directions to their new space can be found here.