15/12/2025
UiTM GESTURZ - A LIVING LAB FOR CREATIVE DISCOVERY
SHAH ALAM, 10 December 2025 β Galeri Seni Tuanku Nur Zahirah (GESTURZ), UiTM Shah Alam, came alive today with an experiential learning initiative that positioned the art gallery as a living laboratory for creative discovery. The programme brought together industry expertise, curatorial knowledge, and hands-on engagement, offering students an immersive pathway into real-world creative practice.
The initiative, grounded in the principles of Curate, Communicate, Connect, and Care, aims to cultivate responsible, thoughtful, and professional creative practitioners. Through this 4Cs framework, students learned to curate with intention, communicate effectively through visual and written narratives, build meaningful connections with diverse audiences, and uphold ethical and cultural responsibilities in managing artistic assets.
The morning commenced with the Industry Session, delivered by Ms Farah Hernani Mohd Rafie, an alumna of UiTMβs Photography programme and Director of The Loft Studio. Her session, βPhotography as Businessβ, provided invaluable insights into creative entrepreneurship, professional practice, and the relevance of visual arts within todayβs industry landscape. Students gained a clearer understanding of the opportunities and demands that define the creative sector.
This was followed by the Curatorial Session led by Mr Mel Rasidi, Deputy Registrar, who is currently exercising the functions of the Director of UiTM GESTURZ. His topic, βWhen life gives you lemons, make artβ, invited students to explore curatorial strategies, gallery operations, and the art of storytelling in exhibition design. It emphasised the importance of creativity, adaptability, and narrative intention in shaping compelling gallery experiences.
The programme gathered students from the Department of Photography and Creative Imaging, UiTM Perak Branch, Seri Iskandar Campus. They participated in exhibition-related activities, industry dialogues, and knowledge-sharing sessions designed to bridge academia, industry, and creative practice.
A collaborative effort between UiTM GESTURZ, the Photomedia Creative Programme of UiTM Perak Branch, and The Loft Studio, the initiative demonstrated how impactful learning becomes when expertise from across sectors converges.
The day concluded with renewed enthusiasm among students. They were energised by new insights, strengthened connections, and a deeper appreciation for the role of galleries as dynamic spaces for learning and creative growth.~gesturz