Ann Marie Chandy | 20 June 2025
But it’s not just about artistic expression or aesthetic improvements. KL’s creative economy is emerging as a powerful driver of social, cultural and economic vitality. And behind many of the city’s recent creative successes is Think City, an impact organisation that champions community-focused urban rejuvenation.
Tan elaborates: “Think City’s work is rooted in the belief that cities should thrive not just economically, but also culturally, socially and creatively.” This ethos has shaped initiatives such as public arts programmes, community festivals, and the reactivation of underutilised spaces into hubs of creative energy.
One standout initiative is the creative placemaking strategy Think City employs – not just upgrading infrastructure, but bringing life to public areas through programming, storytelling and partnerships. “We focus on reactivating spaces through public arts programming, enabling anchor platforms such as city festivals, embedding local arts and culture into transit nodes, and breathing new life into heritage buildings and institutions,” Tan says.
Last year, Kreatif KL festival (jointly organised by Kuala Lumpur City Hall and Think City, with support from Finance Ministry), for example, featured over 100 arts and culture events across five precincts in Downtown KL, celebrating the rich layers of our city's heritage for close to three months, from September to November, 2024.
This holistic approach makes room for everyone – artists, residents, entrepreneurs and visitors – to participate in and benefit from a more vibrant KL.
From a wider perspective, other key creative festivals and events that spotlight local talent while contributing meaningfully to Malaysia’s economy and cultural ecosystem include the Rainforest World Music Festival, George Town Festival, Tapau Fest in Lenggong, Ipoh International Art Festival, and the KL Illustration Fair. These events not only celebrate artistic expression but also serve as platforms for community participation, creative enterprise and cultural tourism.
This year, 2025, promises to be a particularly exciting year for KL’s creative scene, especially with Malaysia holding the Asean Chairmanship. Tan highlights how this spotlight will allow Kuala Lumpur to flex both its diplomatic and cultural muscles.
“A diverse lineup of events reflects the vibrancy of our creative landscape. From community celebrations and creative marketplaces that spotlight local makers, to arts and cultural activities that bridge tradition with modern city life, the calendar is full,” she says.
Government incentives have also helped revive the city’s live entertainment sector, with concerts and performances returning in full force. But beyond spectacle, Tan notes that many initiatives are grounded in meaningful exchange. “They create platforms for discourse, cross-cultural exchange, and collaboration between local and regional creatives.”
She recommends keeping an eye on the Warisan KL calendar to explore what’s coming up – a rich mix of festivals, exhibitions, performances and pop-ups that showcase KL’s creative soul.
Looking ahead, the goal is to sustain momentum, strengthen infrastructure, and elevate KL’s global standing. “Success for Kuala Lumpur’s creative economy would mean nurturing a thriving ecosystem where local artists and creatives continue to produce work that enriches our society, reflects our diversity and drives innovation,” says Tan.
That includes more affordable creative spaces, cross-sector partnerships, and efforts to build future audiences through education and outreach. “At the heart of this vision is Downtown KL – emerging as a creative engine and a recognised regional destination for culture, design and artistic exchange.”
Ultimately, international recognition – such as joining the Unesco Creative Cities Network (UCCN) – would be a major milestone. But more than any designation, the true measure of success will be how creativity becomes ingrained in everyday urban life.
As Tan puts it: “A creative economy that is sustainable, inclusive and globally connected – where creativity is not just celebrated, but embedded into how we live, work and grow as a city.”
So whether you’re a curious traveller, an aspiring artist, or simply looking to experience a city with soul, Kuala Lumpur awaits – vibrant, imaginative, and reawakening, one creative spark at a time.
Check out the Warisan KL events calendar to plan your next visit to Kuala Lumpur's creative heart.
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