After a seven-year hiatus, Urbanscapes is finally back with Made Different as its core theme. One would wonder how Urbanscapes will meet a changed Kuala Lumpur. Commencing from 15th October until 1st November 2026, the festival’s long-awaited return will be scattered throughout multiple landmark venues, iconic locations, and alternative art spaces. The full lineup and venue details will be unveiled in the lead-up to October.
Established in 2002, the long-awaited festival is led by The Originals, who pioneered and helped shape Urbanscapes. Now alongside The Next Wave of creatives, they seek to redefine what Made Different would look like today. The muse is the city itself, a patchwork quilt of stories that many Malaysians can relate to; finding oneself in Kuala Lumpur.
Urbanscapes is a festival that celebrates the history and culture of Malaysians. Here, Malaysians not only get to share their stories but also materialise them into physical constructs that allow others to experience them immersively—a melting pot that honours art, self-expression, and creativity.
Urbanscapes’ founder, Andrew Yap, mentions in a separate interview that he believes the festival should remain at the heart of Kuala Lumpur, as many Malaysian creatives are born and raised here. And if they’re not, they’ve come to Kuala Lumpur to make a life and perhaps build a fortune for themselves.
One might wonder why Kuala Lumpur needs festivals like Urbanscapes. The answer is simpler than you might think: to keep culture, history, and the spirit of creativity alive.
With the advent of AI, the creative landscape has become increasingly digital. Something can be technically beautiful and still feel empty. AI can generate music, artwork, and designs, but it lacks the breath that gives them meaning—a life.
But the festival does more than preserve the voices of the creatives who came before. It creates a bridge between generations, giving the next wave of creatives the space to find their voices. Here, trailblazers nurture the artists of tomorrow, ensuring that the spirit of creativity continues to evolve, rather than simply disappear.
Keep an eye on Urbanscapes’ Instagram for the latest updates and announcements.
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