Community Art Project with Pillars Sabah

Meraki Daat Sabah Initiative joined hands with Pillars of Sabah, Sail Malaysia, and the Sabah Education Department for a community art activity at SMK Gaya Island - a key moment in the Project Picasso Fundraiser Campaign. The two-hour session gathered 15 students, 4 teachers, 10 villagers from Kampung Lobong, 3 sailors from around the world, and the Meraki Daat Executive Comittee in a vibrant collaboration.

Facilitated by Pillars Sabah President, Jared Abdul Rahman and his team, the activity intertwined artistic expression with a deep respect for the environment, while also fostering cultural exchange. A total of 27 acrylic art pieces of various sizes were created and will be auctioned online at the upcoming dinner. Funds raised will purchase a recycling machine to be placed on the island, kickstarting a community-led recycling programme and covering its first three months - an essential move toward a sustainable circular economy.

This forms the first phase of Project Picasso, which aims to keep the island's coastline clean and raise awareness about conservation through paper waste management.It follows the recently concluded Unwrapping Plastic KK project, which educated 5 schools and 2 water villages on plastic and recycling.

'Not only did everyone have an amazing time with art, but there was also a beautiful exchange of culture', said Meraki Daat President Michelle de La Harpe. Pillars of Sabah President, Jared Abdul Rahman added, 'It was truly inspiring to see school children and community come together to produce art for the cause', 'This is a small step and an important step to get close to the community', James Khoo, MD of Pangkor Marine'.