Rimmer’s hope for Arts Centre takes shape

TAMPARULI: Efforts to promote this sub-district into a tourist destination with diverse attractions have been further boosted with the opening of the Tamparuli Living Heritage and Arts Centre.
Located at a house formerly used by renowned artist Tina Rimmer just before the famed Tamparuli bridge, the centre displays works by local artists and craftsmen not just from the sub-district but also from nearby districts.

Officiating at the soft launch of the centre, Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said more visitors are expected to come to Tamparuli with the availability of new tourism products.

Noting that the centre is managed by the Tamparuli Living Arts and Heritage Association (TLAHA), he said the setting up of the centre augurs well with STB’s effort to turn tourism as a viable means to economically empower the local community, especially those from the rural areas.

Joniston, who is assemblyman of nearby Kiulu, added that the government has embarked on a concerted effort to promote rural tourism to take advantage of the State’s natural beauty and unspoilt environment.

“STB has set up a special unit called Tourism Product Division which, among others, is tasked to oversee rural tourism development,” he said.

Among the key functions of the division is to identify new tourism products, especially in the rural areas, by working closely with the District Tourism Action Committees.

“STB has been working closely with the District Tourism Action Committees to create awareness among the local community on how tourism could become an alternative source of income besides agriculture,” Joniston said.

TLAHA chairman Paulus Gani said the centre will display unique local paintings and handicrafts produced by local natives from as far as Ranau.

He is optimistic that the centre will emerge as a prime tourist attraction as it is located at a strategic location synonymous to many as the building once occupied by Rimmer, who is well known for her native-inspired paintings.

The pre-launch of the centre coincided with Rimmer’s 99th birthday.

Rimmer, who had always wanted the place to be turned into an art centre, was however unable to attend the event due to health and age reasons.

Also present were Sabah Museum Director Sintiong Gelet and several local artists and craftsmen.

Source: Daily Express