Shoes, art, and education: Creative Exploration’s mission to Inspire creativity

WHAT do shoes, art and education have in common?

Creativity is all around us, it shapes how we express ourselves, tell stories, and connect with the world.

Whether through art, fashion, or education, creativity brings ideas to life in unique and meaningful ways.

Fashion isn’t just about what we wear—it’s a form of self-expression, blending culture, individuality, and innovation. From custom-painted sneakers to bold designs, the fusion of art and style has always pushed creative boundaries.

Now, this connection is taking center stage through Creative Exploration, a new initiative by Converse Malaysia under the global LOVE, CHUCK campaign.

This project brings together Converse Malaysia, the National Art Gallery, and two well-known art institutions—Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and the Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA)—to encourage artistic expression in Malaysia.

LOVE, CHUCK is a worldwide campaign that connects brands with local creative communities. It encourages Converse teams to engage with artists, influencers, and cultural movements in their respective countries.

As part of this effort, Creative Exploration will run throughout 2025, giving young artists a space to showcase their talent while helping to grow Malaysia’s creative industry.

STRENGTHENING THE LOCAL CREATIVE SCENE

The launch event, held recently at the Art Depot, National Art Gallery on Feb 28, was officiated by Senior Political Secretary to the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin.

Senior Political Secretary to the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin - Photo by Converse Malaysia

In his opening speech, Shamsul praised the initiative, saying it not only provides a platform for young artists but also gives experienced creatives a chance to share their knowledge.

“This is an important effort to support grassroots artistic culture.

“It also strengthens Malaysia’s creative scene because art is not just a form of expression—it’s a way to bring people together and celebrate our culture.

“Nurturing creativity is crucial, especially for a country that is growing rapidly and moving towards a more modern future,” he said.

He also emphasised that such collaborations are essential for helping creativity become a bigger part of Malaysian society.

Meanwhile, UiTM Faculty of Creative Arts, Design Studies head, Dr Shaliza Mohd Shariff, expressed her excitement about the project.

“This is a rare and exciting opportunity for our students to explore their skills and creativity.

“There’s so much more we can do through projects like this, and I hope this partnership continues,” she said.

Dr Shaliza also highlighted that Converse Malaysia is committed to making this initiative long-term and sustainable. She hopes more partners will join in to help grow Malaysia’s creative scene.

SHOES AS CANVASES

As part of Creative Exploration, selected students from UiTM and MIA will create unique artworks using Chuck Taylor sneakers as their canvas.

These designs will be displayed at the National Art Gallery’s Art Depot from Feb 28 to April 12. After that, selected pieces will be showcased in Converse stores across the Klang Valley.

Creative Exploration gives students hands-on experience in applying art to commercial fashion while also connecting them with the National Art Gallery and Malaysia’s wider art community.

At the same time, the initiative strengthens the National Art Gallery’s role as a major venue for artistic events and reinforces UiTM and MIA as key institutions in shaping new creative talents.

By blending fashion, art, and education, the project helps young artists gain real-world experience while making Malaysia’s creative industry stronger.

With more partnerships like this, the future of Malaysian art looks brighter than ever.