National Art Gallery continues its commitment to empowering the local arts ecosystem and creative industry through the organisation of the Young Art Entrepreneurs (YAE!) Programme, which is now entering its 11th Cohort. The YAE! Programme is designed to nurture young art entrepreneurs who are knowledgeable, skilled, and competitive, focusing on the ability to generate sustainable income through creative works, products, and services. This comprehensive art entrepreneurship initiative is carried out this year through a strategic collaboration with the Malaysia Design and Development Centre (DDEC).
The 11th Cohort of YAE! features the participation of 20 participants from diverse backgrounds who undergo intensive entrepreneurship learning sessions. Beginning in September 2025, the programme runs for four months, encompassing intensive learning modules, creative product development, as well as exposure to the real market. The programme is further strengthened by a three-month mentorship session, aimed at guiding participants in refining their business strategies, branding, and marketing.
Interestingly, this cohort also combines the participation of new participants and YAE! alumni to create a more inclusive sharing of perspectives in product development and art entrepreneurship.
To enliven this year’s YAE! Programme, the National Art Gallery will organise the Kontena Seni, Warna & Warisan at the Art Depot, National Art Gallery, which runs from December 20, 2025, to February 1, 2026, starting from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm. Throughout the duration of the event, various art workshops and creative activities will be held to provide exposure, learning experiences, and direct involvement for visitors.
The event also features the YAE! Open Day, held on December 20 and 21, 2025, which serves as the main platform for participants to exhibit and market their artworks and entrepreneurial products to the public. In addition, it also becomes a direct interaction platform between participants and the public, buyers, art collectors, and creative industry players, thereby expanding their networking and market opportunities. The programme will then conclude with a Final Show scheduled to take place in January 2026.
Through the organisation of YAE!, the National Art Gallery hopes this programme can be a catalyst for the development of young art entrepreneur talent, thereby contributing to the continuous growth of the nation’s art and creative industry.Therefore, the public is invited to attend and enliven the Kontena Seni, Warna & Warisan and YAE! Open Day at the Art Depot, National Art Gallery. For more information, follow the official social media of the National Art Gallery or visit the website www.artgallery.gov.my.
