USM PENANG, 22 June 2026 – The Muzium & Galeri Tuanku Fauziah (MGTF), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), in collaboration with the Centre for Research on Women and Gender (KANITA), successfully organised Art and Craft Happiness, a community‑inspired programme held in conjunction with the International Day of Happiness 2026 and International Museum Day 2026.

The programme, held on 18 June, brought together members of the USM community, craft enthusiasts, and the public for an afternoon celebrating creativity, well‑being, and meaningful social interaction through arts and crafts.

The event began with the pleasant musical ambience provided by the USM Jazz Band. The live performance not only enlivened the atmosphere but also served as a prelude to the band’s upcoming annual charity concert, creating a warm and inviting environment for visitors.

Opening remarks were delivered by the Director of Muzium & Galeri Tuanku Fauziah (MGTF), Dr. Tetriana Ahmed Fauzi, who highlighted the importance of museums as inclusive spaces that inspire creativity, lifelong learning, and community engagement.

She underscored the significance of connecting happiness with artmaking as a pathway to well‑being.

This was followed by a sharing session by the Director of the Centre for Research on Women and Gender (KANITA), Professor Dr. Intan Hashimah Mohd Hashim, who delivered an insightful talk on the relationship between art, crafts, and happiness.

She emphasised how creative expression contributes positively to emotional well‑being, mindfulness, self‑awareness, social connectedness, and stress reduction, while encouraging participants to embrace art as a meaningful part of everyday life.

Throughout the afternoon, participants enjoyed a variety of engaging activities including live music performances, happiness‑sharing sessions, craft presentations, and an interactive craft hangout.

Attendees were encouraged to bring along their own craft projects to create, exchange ideas, and build connections with fellow craft enthusiasts.

The programme also showcased diverse forms of creative expression, including pottery, textile crafts, painting, and handmade accessories, reflecting the richness and variety of artistic practices within the community.

In the sharing happiness session, participants related their artmaking to focus, joy, meditation, mindfulness, calmness, good memory, and emotion regulation.

Through initiatives such as Art and Craft Happiness, MGTF continues to strengthen its role as a vibrant cultural and educational hub that connects museums with society while promoting creativity, inclusivity, and holistic well‑being, in line with USM’s commitment to impactful community engagement.

Text: Dr. Tetriana Ahmed Fauzi/Photo: Nur Hafizah Aziz & Azizi Yahya, Muzium & Galeri Tuanku Fauziah (MGTF), USM