For centuries, the performing arts have connected communities across Southeast Asia, bridging language and culture to foster dialogue, empathy and respect. Yet for many artists, national borders remain barriers. Travel restrictions, funding gaps and a lack of platforms often make collaboration difficult.
A new programme seeks to change that. UNESCO and Temasek Foundation have launched a new regional initiative to strengthen intercultural understanding in the performing arts across Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. Running through 2027, the programme Embracing Shared Heritage through Performing Art will build stronger networks, creating opportunities for co-creation, while supporting artists and students working together across Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. Its broad ambition is to strengthen professional skills, while ensuring that Southeast Asia’s rich traditions continue to thrive in contemporary forms, resonating with new generations while honouring shared heritage.
Maki Katsuno-Hayashikawa, Director UNESCO Regional Office in Jakarta, said: “Throughout history, people have travelled, exchanged ideas, and inspired one another. While every country treasures its own national identity and performing arts traditions, it is through dialogue and exchange that creativity continues to flourish, and in turn, traditions are kept alive and relevant.”
“Celebrating Southeast Asia’s shared heritage is vital to fostering harmony in diversity,” added James Chan, Senior Director (Programmes),Temasek Foundation. “By promoting artistic collaborations across borders, this partnership between UNESCO and Temasek Foundation seeks to deepen intercultural appreciation, build bridges between communities and a thriving and resilient region.”
The initiative officially started with a virtual workshop held on September 2025, bringing together over 300 participants from the three countries. Attendees included traditional artists, arts managers, students, heritage practitioners and government representatives. The lively exchange featured creative performances and critical conversations on the future of performing arts in the region
Bagus Mazasupa, a musician from Indonesia explained:.”As a musician, my broader hope, is that the UNESCO-Temasek Foundation program will deepen audience’s understanding of music. I Music is universal beyond stile or origin; it belongs to all humanity. By embracing our shared heritage through music, we can foster greater cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.”
Over the next two years, the initiative will deliver a series of capacity building workshops, cross-cultural exchanges, and collaborative creations. The programme will culminate in a major festival in Yogyakarta, that will showcase co-created performances that celebrate Southeast Asia’s shared heritage through performing arts.
The programme is supported by leading institutional partners including the Asia Europe Foundation (ASEF), Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), Institute Seni Yogyakarta (ISI) and Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta. Its delivery is further strengthened through implementing partners Ars Management and the ERTI Research Collective.
