GRAFF FOR NATION 2.0 BROUGHT TOGETHER GRAFFITI ARTISTS FROM SIX COUNTRIES IN JOHOR, MALAYSIA

JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Graff For Nation 2.0 (GFN 2.0), organised by the National Art Gallery of Malaysia with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), was officially launched on 26 September 2026 at KotaJail in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, by Pannir Selvam Paliksina Siwalinggam, Chairman of the Johor Unity, Heritage and Culture Committee.

The launch was also attended by Fauzan Omar, Member of the Board of Directors of the National Visual Arts Development Board (NVADB); Amerrudin Ahmad, Director-General of NVADB; Rohana Mohd Yusoff, Deputy Director-General (Operations) of NVADB; and Zul Abbas, Operations Director of KotaJail, alongside senior officials from MOTAC, government departments and agencies, as well as members of the arts community.

Following its inaugural edition in Langkawi, Malaysia, in 2024, GFN returned for its second edition with the concept of "Spatial Creative Zone". The concept transformed unused spaces and old premises through creative approaches into more dynamic community art spaces, with the potential to attract both domestic and international visitors. Through this approach, KotaJail was positioned as a space that brought together graffiti art with a range of urban arts and cultural activities for the public.

Held from 25 to 27 September 2026, GFN 2.0 brought together 24 graffiti artists from six countries — Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Italy. The programme provided a platform for local and international artists to create, exchange ideas, share expertise and expand their networks within the field of graffiti art.

The main segment of GFN 2.0, Break The Wall: International Graffiti Art Festival, featured live graffiti creation by local and international artists under the theme "Greeting Malaysia". Visitors had the opportunity to witness the creative process firsthand, as well as the diverse styles and approaches presented by each artist.

Beyond Break The Wall, GFN 2.0 also featured JAIL Project, a supporting programme comprising KotaJail Market x NAG, Graff For Kids, art talks and exhibitions.

KotaJail Market x NAG was a pop-up creative marketplace featuring 30 young entrepreneurs and local designers. A variety of creative products spanning crafts, custom culture, streetwear and urban culture were showcased throughout the programme. The initiative also featured Jejak Seni Malaysia, NAGstore and Young Art Entrepreneurs (YAE!), and provided a platform for local entrepreneurs and designers to introduce their products to visitors.

Graff For Kids offered a variety of art workshops and creative activities for children and teenagers. The programme also brought together designer toys and elements of extreme sports, including skateboarding and BMX, introducing participants to graffiti art and urban culture in a more engaging and accessible way.

The programme also featured the 10th Anniversary Exhibition of the Malaysian Graffiti Artist Database (MAGAD), an initiative established by the National Art Gallery of Malaysia in 2015 to document Malaysian graffiti artists. GFN 2.0 also included a series of art talks exploring the relationship between art, culture and society. Visitors were also able to learn more about Jejak Seni Malaysia and NAG Friends throughout the programme.

GFN 2.0 was organised in collaboration with KotaJail, Tourism Malaysia, Tourism Johor, Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB), District Shop & Gallery, ChopShop, WriterBlocks, Crossover, Guerilla Familia and MAGAD Malaysia. Held in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026 and Visit Johor 2026, the programme highlighted the role of art and creativity in enhancing the tourism experience while promoting greater understanding and appreciation of graffiti as part of the visual arts.

For more information, visit the National Art Gallery of Malaysia's official website and social media channels.

SOURCE National Art Gallery of Malaysia