CAIS DVD Catalogue/Documentation Completed!

Sincere greetings to all!

We apologize for such a long time of silence but we certainly do hope that all the students and staff at Stella Maris Secondary School are keeping well, and most certainly also to all of you who've constantly checked back on this blog for updates, we do wish you well.

Ever since the completion of the project, most of us were needing to focus back on our various full time vocation, but of course with still much eagerness, we took on the task of completing a DVD Catalogue for CAIS which was very much our intention ever since the beginning of the project. With that, we managed to collect many materials during the course of running CAIS, ie: questionnaires, feedbacks, comments, photos, video etc. With all these precious datas, we then had the task to evaluate, analyse, sort and compile them into a digital catalogue with the purpose of further sharing the vision of the project and to create an awareness of the possibilities of alternative art education within our country. And four months into that since February of 2009, we were finally able to announce to you the completion of CAIS's DVD Catalogue/Documentation! It has 2 components to it: (a) A Full Video Documentary Content playable on any DVD Player and (b) An Interactive Content playable on any computer (Mac) or (Windows).





The DVD is certainly not for sale but with efforts to fundraise both for R.A.P as well as any possible future initiatives to continue on a CAIS 2.0, we'd appreciate any donations of RM 20 for a copy of the DVD. Do contact us at caisproject@gmail.com if you're interested in getting a copy and we'd certainly try our best to respond to you asap.

So yes, here's looking forward to hearing from any of you and we shall keep in touch!


Sincerely,
The CAIS Curatorial Team

Promotional Items Ready!

After much grueling hard work, the CAIS Project banners, buntings, posters and invitation cards are now ready! On Friday (15 August 2008), we decided to personally take the posters and invitation cards to the school and do a class by class distribution. It was the last day of the high school term before the students leave for their 1 week break, thus we thought that it would be a good time to remind them that when they return, their school would be transformed into an alternative art exhibition space for CAIS where contemporary art pieces of work will spring into live in various corners! Yes, it was an exciting morning waking up at 6am once again (nostalgic of our school days) and find ourselves entering Stella Maris High School in time for the first bell to distribute these items to each student. We would also really like to thank Marge, who is the principal of Stella Maris High School for her permission to do so in short notice.

Following that, we took some time to conduct a survey with the students to gauge their perception and understanding of art before the exhibition in order to conduct a follow up session then after. This was purposed that we may obtain a better understanding on the effectiveness of CAIS when the project is completed. It was really a good time having the opportunity to have a much closer interaction with all of the students at the school and yes, we certainly look forward for more of these when the exhibition starts this 25 August 2008 till the 6 September 2008, 11am - 5pm. The number of response was beyond our expectations and worthwhile indeed.

Shoutout to Stella Maris High School students: Do remember to invite all your friends, family and loved ones to come over to your school during the public viewing days (see invitation card) to witness this project yea!

The Poster:

Second Phase of the Project : 2nd MEETING in AUGUST

We had the opportunity to meet up with local Malaysian artist – Liew Kung Yu at his truly unique and beautiful art space. It was about 9pm that we reached his place and most of us had yet to have taken our dinner. Resolving to not let us starve, Kung Yu was extremely kind to host us a meal with really tasty instant noodles! And believe you me, it was certainly one of the most tasty instant noodles cooked! 

Speaking of Kung Yu, the CAIS Project team has invited him to be the leading mind behind a workshop that purposes to evaluate the project through the responses of student’s feedback. We had a really fruitful time dialoguing with him as he certainly did brought to light many interesting perspectives of evaluation on various aspects of the project that would help us towards achieving our initial objectives set.

Shout out to Stella Maris Students: Do look out for our recruitment poster on the 25 August 2008 for this workshop with Kung Yu. The details are as below:

Date: 2 Sept (Tuesday)
Time: 1.40pm – 3.00pm
Venue: Lecture Theatre

Please do sign up yea!

Second Phase of the Project : 1st MEETING in AUGUST

On the 3rd of August, instead of meeting at the Old Town Café which was almost becoming our regular meeting grounds, we decided to meet up at the Malay Tea House at Central Market, KL. Its got a really quiet ambience which was just what we needed for our meeting. Quite an interesting place with servings of special Malay Teas.

At this point of our project, extra help was greatly needed and we are fortunate to have 2 additional people to join us to mobilize the project. They are Teh Chen Yee and Chua Chinn Yin, fresh graduates from LUCT. We briefly described to them the background of the project and the potential job task they will be involved in and we are delighted that they were enthusiastic about it! Yes, they are certainly a blessing to us at this point!

One of the primary reasons we had this meeting was to also finalize the poster designs. Seeing that the exhibition is starting in 3 weeks time, we needed to make ready the various publicity items on time, thus, everyone's creativity input was put to the table for a final critique session on the poster designs. No time was wasted as Meng edited the works simultaneously as suggestions were made ;) We also had this idea of coming out with an exhibition handbook that will focus on providing information on the exhibited works of the participating artist in the project. Chang Hwang came up with a sample write up on it and the translation roles were tentatively handed over to our 2 new team mates to work on it. Several other matters that were also brought to attention were discussions on details of the film screening as well as the art tour. That's certainly 2 things not to be missed!

COLLABORATIVE PARTNER: Galeri Petronas

Whew! Without a doubt there is much excitement brewing in the air with all of us at the CAIS team. Apart from assisting in the 2 artist workshops that we've just had the past few weeks - that of which we believed was a meaningful experience for the artists and the students present (updates and photos coming soon), we've also been given the opportunity for interviews with the media and been working much towards the launching and opening of the project at the end of this month. Worries aside, these tasks which are time consuming yet they are responsible for keeping our spirits alive amidst the more day to day jobs we have.

Saying so, all these efforts cannot materialize without generous fundings and assistance from three body of art organizations in Malaysia. There are great people behind these bodies with great visions and we feel its only right for us to make them known to you.

Thus, its with much gratitude and thanks that we'd like to introduce you to our main collaborative partner - Galeri Petronas.






Established by the Malaysian multinational petroleum company Petronas, Galeri Petronas runs on the philosophy of providing a platform for expressing views and opinions on social issues through art, hence, also acting as a catalyst for positive reforms while promoting art as a universal language that transcends man-made barriers. Its existence also promotes the development and preservation of art by providing the gallery as a venue for art displays, sponsoring documentations and publications on mainly Malaysian art. Seeing thus, CAIS Project is absolutely priviledge to have Galeri Petronas as a collaborator as they have not just been far reaching with their vision in pioneering many local arts initiatives, but they have also been an avid advocate and initiator in many educational and public arts program that has helped promote art education and appreciation among people from all walks of life. Not only so, Galeri Petronas is also very much interested to take these educational and public arts program to another level with positive expansion possibilities.

With one of our primary objectives to open the door of contemporary art to students at Stella Maris and beyond, by allowing them to experience as well as to understand the creative imagination of contemporary artists at a closer view, Galeri Petronas's collaborative efforts in funding and support has definitely helped us much in seeing to fruition all that we envision the project to be.

We invite you to pay them a visit at Level 3, Suria KLCC whenever you can make the time to, it would certainly be a worthwhile experience!

SUPPORTERS: Annexe Grants For Grabs & Matahati Art Fund

CAIS Project is also supported by the Annexe Grants for Grabs as well as the Matahati Art Fund.



The Annexe's Grants For Grabs is made possible by an inaugural donation of RM 50,000.00 by Fashion Inc's Mana Batik exhibition. The Annexe at Central Market, which came into existence in January 2007, has become a space much loved for its accessibility, artist-audience interactivity and alternative nature. It hosts all manner of art form and expression and has attracted projects that are experimental, multidisciplinary and socially conscious. In an effort to help create an artistically aware and critical public, The Annexe also provides workshops that offer participants an avenue to gain new skills and perspectives, exchange views and express themselves. The Annexe's Grants For Grabs naturally follows this vision.



Do drop by here to witness the Grants Giving Ceremony to all 7 recipients including CAIS. Do see if you can spot one of our representatives there?!



The Matahati Art Fund is set aside and prepared for the support of our local artists and art scene. It is intended to assist in the welfare of those artists in need, which includes incidences involving natural disasters, accidents or health issues. The Art Fund can also be used as a grant for artists initiating art projects and art activities.

CAIS Project is truly blessed to have garnered the support from these two benevolent funds and we're truly honoured and proud to execute this project with these bodies behind us.

Second Phase of the Project : MEETINGS in JULY

The team met up to have a short discussion and updates on the progress of the project on 13 July 2008. On the same day itself, it was also the very 1st session of workshop with the Mural artist Chuah Chong Yong. Consequently after the workshop, we adjourned to the nearest hospital (Tung Shin) for lunch and subsequently had our meeting there too. It was quite a first for a few of us, having lunch at a hospital, but it was nonetheless memorable. We discussed on the possibilities in obtaining several media sponsors from our local papers as well as confirmed the content of the information in our posters. We also spent some time discussing on the need to invite college students who might be interested in projects like these to be gallery sitters for the CAIS exhibition. A budget was briefly allocated for that while we source for the right people.

Having had a journey of 7 months into the project, it was about time that we also thought about ways to possibly plan a feasible system to obtain feedback from students about the project after it is completed. Tentative plans to meet up with local artist Liew Kung Yu was further scheduled in August for an in depth dialogue session to see how we can engage with him to plan just that. Alongside this, we also briefly discussed on the building of a physical feedback system in the school itself to collect the thoughts of students about the project as to whether they like or dislike it.

In addition to this, we are really glad that Stella Maris has approved of our proposal to conduct a film screening session at the roof top of the school in conjunction with the project. Tentative plans are set to screen local made short films at Stella Maris on the 28th and 29th of August 2008.

At the end of July, the CAIS Project team was given a scheduled interview with writer Grace Chin from The Edge Malaysia! We were truly honoured with the opportunity and had a great time giving our thoughts and perspectives on the various questions asked. See below images for the complete write up by Grace Chin - The Edge Malaysia.

Second Phase of the Project : 2ND MEETING in JUNE

Another late meeting on a Friday night. This time we had it at a Mamak restaurant at Brickfield. To backtrack, actually we started the meeting at the Macdonald near Central Market around 8pm, but it closed at 10:30pm. So we had to relocate, yeap! Tried to find another restaurant nearby but all the stores pretty much closed at 10pm-11pm in that area. So ended up driving to Brickfield to continue our meeting. By the time we left, it was already passed midnight, and we were the last customers to leave the restaurant!!!

On a side note, what a coincidence to bump into Pang Khee Teik, the Arts Programme Director and the self-proclaimed air con remote control man for The Annexe Gallery, Central Market Annexe, Kuala Lumpur (see the amazon.com profile) at the restaurant. Have to admit, KL is a pretty small city:) For those who don't know, he is another well known figure who is actively involved in the local art scene.

Second Phase of the Project : WORKSHOP RECRUITMENT DAY

It was Workshop Recruitment Day on Friday 27th June 2008! Knowing that the students at Stella Maris High School had finished their school exams on the 25th June, we figured it would be the right time to promote the artist workshops to the students by inviting the artists in-charged to do a short presentation about their workshops during the recess time in the morning and in the afternoon. We believed that the students would be able to interact with the artists and have the opportunity to find out more about the details of the workshops through this brief yet meaningful activity. Our very dedicated team members, Tay Sy and Chang Hwang were at the school to assist the workshop artists in setting up the presentation, and to ensure things were running smoothly in the process of recruiting students to sign up for the workshops.

Overall the response was good. There were more students who have signed up for the workshops than we could accommodate. Our main concern now is to make sure the students who have signed up will commit themselves in attending the workshops eventually. In order to make this happen, we're truly grateful that the principal of Stella Maris is providing us as much help as possible in realizing this project by convincing the parents of the students in allowing their children to participate in this enriching experience. Hopefully everything will turn out the way that we have planned!

Second Phase of the Project : POSTING ARTIST WORKSHOPS INFO AT STELLA MARIS

Finally! We are ready to promote the Artist Workshops to the students of Stella Maris High School! There are a total of 4 Artist Workshops to be conducted from July to September in conjunction with this project. All the basic information about the workshops were gathered from the artists (Chuah Chong Yong, Amanda Heng, Au Sow Yee, Chan Yoong Chia & Teoh Ming Wah) and transfered to A3 size posters. Tay Sy and Chang Hwang brought all the posters and posted them on the notice boards at the atrium right next to the school canteen last Friday (20th of June 2008). The chosen location of the atrium is very strategic as it is where students often gather and hang out outside of their classrooms. We hope the colourful design of the posters will attract students' attention and create interest for them to sign up for the workshops, where they will get a rare opportunity to interact closely with practicing contemporary artists.

| ARTIST WORKSHOP 1 - Chuah Chong Yong |





| ARTIST WORKSHOP 2 - Amanda Heng |






| ARTIST WORKSHOP 3 - Au Sow Yee |





| ARTIST WORKSHOP 4 - Chan Yoong Chia & Teoh Ming Wah |

Second Phase of the Project : MEETING in JUNE

Our project is definitely requiring more of our time as we progress towards the dates for this exciting event. As all of us who are in the organizing team have a day time job from Monday to Sunday, the only possibility to meet up for a discussion is in the evening. Normally we would meet up for 3-4 hours. But for the last meeting, we broke the record. We had a really long meeting at Sau Bin's warm and cozy house in Cheras from 8pm-4am on Friday June 13th 2008. Even though our brains were pretty much fried when the clock pointed to 1am, we managed to drank some strong mocha, courtesy of Sau Bin, which kept most of us alert through out the rest of the discussion. Nevertheless, the outcome for the meeting was extremely productive. Many issues and matters were discussed in depth and taken care of at the end of the day.

As we enter into the second phase of the project, things are really picking up. Looking at our projected timeline which involves the completion of a long list of tasks, we realized that we need more brains and hands to assist us in managing the project. So we invited an additional member into our team, Phuan Thai Meng, who is also a member from RAP. At this stage of the project, we have moved from less of curating the show to more of producing and promoting the event. New responsibilities were delegated among the 7 of us :

Production Managers : Chai Chang Hwang & Wong Tay Sy
Financial Manager : Wong Tay Sy
Public Relations Manager : Yap Sau Bin
Exhibition & Technical Managers : Chong Kim Chiew & Phuan Thai Meng
Publicity & Design Managers : Foo Wei Meng & Candice Ng