ARTISTS in Malaysia now have a brand-new space to hone and exhibit their talent – Lot123.
Nando’s Malaysia converted the top two floors of a building on the historic Jalan Sultan – on Lot 123, naturally – making it a sanctuary for artists in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
The top floor of Lot123 is currently hosting an exhibition featuring brand-new work by Nando’s Art Initiative 2014 runners-up.
The building, which houses a Nando’s restaurant, served as the company’s headquarters until it moved to Ara Damansara, Selangor.
“We could have expanded the restaurant to two more floors,” said Nando’s Chickenland Malaysia chief Ian Cruddas.
“But we felt that art is such an integral part of our company that we should use this space to help nurture young artists.”
In fact, the building is now hosting an exhibition on its top floor, featuring work by the runners-up of last year’s Nando’s Art Initiative, an annual art competition.
The exhibition is open to the public from now till Feb 8. You can buy some of the pieces too!
“We want this space to become where young Malaysian artists start their journey, to perhaps becoming professional artists,” said Cruddas, adding that Nando’s is hoping to bring in both local and South African mentors (because that’s where Nando’s is from) to coach aspiring artists.
‘Struggling young artists tend to be quite poor. They need to build their reputation, and we hope Lot123 becomes a space they can use to achieve that,’ said Nando’s Chickenland Malaysia chief Ian Cruddas.
The restaurant chain is well-known for its strong support for local art, something which can be traced back to founders Fernando Duarte and Robert Brozin’s passion for art.
“Back in South Africa, they take youngsters off the streets and teach them to create mosaics and silkscreen paintings,” said Crudder.
The Nando’s Art Initiative was launched in Malaysia back in 2008, as part of the company’s efforts to support the local art scene.
Cluckin’ good art: The winner of the Nando’s Art Initiative 2014’s digital art category, by Chong Shi Qi.
The competition will be back this year, so if you’re an aspiring artist, this could be your ticket to getting your work noticed – and you could pick up some cool prizes along the way.
The grand prize for each of the three categories – fine art, digital art and graffiti/street art – is RM5,000 in cash plus a fully-sponsored solo exhibition. We’re pretty sure you’ll get some chicken as well…
To take part in the contest, you’ll have to upload a photo of your artwork to the Nando’s Art Initiative website HERE. You’ll find more info there as well.
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