The annual 'Installation Art by the Bay @ KK' taking place at the Likas Bay Public Park here continues to draw international participation.

The ninth edition of the event which runs from Sept 15 to 18, is seeing the involvement of 13 teams which include Denmark and Finland as well as Sabah, Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

Sabah Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai who launched the event said the state needs to capitalise on its diverse culture to develop its own unique art culture.

"Transforming a city into a destination known for its art does not happen overnight and I am certain it requires a lot of planning and strategy," he said.

Joniston assured the tourism ministry was always supportive of events or initiatives that could enhance the tourism industry, encourage sustainable practices, and empower the community.

"I want to encourage everyone to get into the environmental themes of the event and value the meaning or message carried in the art installation," said Joniston, who is also Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chairman.

Joniston said he hoped the event would continue to generate insightful discussion that highlights the need for more attention to be paid to minimise negative impact on the environment.

Meanwhile, organising chairman Dr Awangku Hassanal Bahar Pengiran Bagul said the environmental message that the outdoor installation art sought to convey was based on the core values of sustainable development and ecological protection.

"The focus is not just on the artworks themselves but also on the environmental values conveyed by each piece for the past nine years," added Hassanal.

Themed VivaCity, the installation art showcases 3D art pieces and eco-sculptures, all made from waste, reusable or recyclable materials such as scrap metal, plastic, glass, tree branches, tyres, wood pieces and plants.

The selection of these reusable materials was aimed at raising public awareness of the need for sustainability in our environment, he said.

Over the past nine years, the event recorded over 150,000 on-site visitors, 300,000 online reach and engaged by over 2,000 artists globally.

Also present were STB chief executive officer Noredah Othman, Head of the Sabah Art Gallery Elisya Ahmad Shah and Sabah Tourist Association chairman Tonny Chew.