Installation Art by the Bay KK 2025 Returns for 12th Edition with Sustainability Theme

7 September 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The annual Installation Art by the Bay KK 2025 (IAKK2025) is set to return for its 12th edition from 13 to 16 September at Taman Chong Thien Vun, Kota Kinabalu City Centre.

Running daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, this year’s event carries the theme “Echoes of Sustainability – Every Effort Matters” and will feature 15 upcycled sculptures made from reusable and recyclable materials such as scrap metal, plastic bottles, CDs, polycarbonate sheets, bags and garden waste.

IAKK2025 Art Coordinator, Christianne Goonting, said the eco-art installations aim to raise awareness of environmental issues while encouraging sustainable lifestyle choices.

“Awareness through art is a powerful tool. These sculptures serve not only as creative expressions but also as visual reminders of the urgent need to reduce waste, protect the environment and embrace sustainability,” she said.

The four-day event will also include the sharing of videos and photographs on social media platforms to spark reflection and inspire positive change within and beyond Sabah.

Supported by the Sabah Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) and Tourism Malaysia Sabah, the initiative is organised in collaboration with Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK), the Sabah Cultural Board (LKNS), Sabah Art Gallery (BSLS) and the Sabah Tourist Association (STA).

Participants include local artists, schools, colleges, NGOs, tour agencies, and international contributors from the United Kingdom and Singapore, with a team from Denmark joining virtually. 3,000 visitors are expected to attend, with extended outreach through online platforms such as Facebook.

The IAKK2025 Core Committee comprises Professor Dr Awangku Hassanal Bahar Pengiran Bagul (Universiti Malaysia Sabah), Christianne Goonting (Lavinia Private Art Gallery), Fauziahton Awang Samad (DBKK), Pauline Chin (Truly Borneo), Sara Elisya Ahmad Shah (Sabah Art Gallery), Eva Anani Baggai (Sabah Art Gallery) and Intan Munirah Hamzah (Sabah Art Gallery).

“The event has always been about building connections between community, creativity and sustainability. We invite the public to join us at Taman Chong Thien Vun to experience these innovative works and to be part of a movement where art meets environmental stewardship, because every effort matters,” added Goonting.