It’s official! Art of Speed Asia Launches New Vision for Regional Custom Culture!
Many would have remembered this show at Citta Mall a few months back. It was an astounding collection of custom cars and bikes all housed in one area and called Art of Speed Malaysia; organised by Switchblade Kuala Lumpur, a rock-and-roll boutique and avid enthusiast of “Kustom Kulture“.
Since its opening in 2009, SwitchbladeKL, which has been promoting the ‘So-Cal’ sub-culture in Malaysia, is now even more vibrant – giving vintage hot rods, choppers, American muscle cars, retro Japanese vehicles, classic cars, and the art and music revolving around this lifestyle a helluva lot more exposure. And they’re doing it again in June!
Art of Speed Malaysia was the first Kustom Kulture Show in Malaysia that has progressed via a series of events and also promotional tours at neighbouring countries such as Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and also Japan. Past events recorded tremendous support from local and international movers and shakers of the custom culture scene, as well as the members of the public.
Events held at Publika, Solaris Dutamas in 2012, Citta Mall, Petaling Jaya and Danga Bay, Johor Bahru in 2013 saw such overwhelming response that the organizers have decided to hold monthly mini events including a Night Cruise at the Sepang International Circuit.
Art of Speed Asia 2014 now takes things a step further after championing the event on a local scale for two years, the event is now recognized by international players. In fact, the organizer was recently invited to be among the judges at the recent 22nd Annual Yokohama Hot Rod & Custom Show in Japan in 2013, said to be one of the most influential shows in the world.
Art of Speed Asia 2014 stays close to its roots, retaining the tagline “Celebrating Art in Automotive Culture” that highlights the crossover of lifestyle and art as championed by Art of Speed Malaysia but with more regional relevance.
Art of Speed Asia 2014 will also be a regional platform for enthusiasts around the region to gather and meet icons from beyond South East Asia. It also aims to inspire and market local creative products to international markets. This year, the event is supported by Tourism Malaysia, recognising the burgeoning growth of visitors and fans of the custom culture scene from the region. The third installment of the event will take place at Citta Mall, Ara Damansara on this coming 7 & 8 of June 2014.
The event is the brainchild of Asep Ahmad Iskandar, the Managing Director of Initium Sdn Bhd a turnkey event management company, when met at the Launch Party of Art of Speed Asia 2014 said, “We intend to create an event that takes a giant leap in quality of content that speaks to regional fans and brings them closer together while creating a regional platform to connect with global audience. Art of Speed Asia 2014 will be unique as we will not only fly in the icons of the industry but also their vehicles and art works to inspire in our Show and Shine competition and the Art Gallery. Fellow enthusiasts will also be able to chat with our Special Guest in the planned Kustoms & Coffee Talk sessions. All in all, a great interactive day out for all fans and public making it a show not to be missed!”
International guests for Art of Speed Asia 2014 includes, Mooneyes Japan, Rocky Auto Japan, Flat 4 Tokyo, Kustom Kulture Produktion Japan, Speedhunters.com, Rough Crafts Taiwan and Air Runner Custom Paint Studio from Taiwan.
This year’s installment will also include stage acts and art gallery with local and international artistes, children and family activities, Show & Shine competition, Soapbox Show & GO!, youth arena and also retailers at the marketplace, vintage and jeans market by PintuMerah and local brand bazaar by Tempatan Fest, which overall features more than 150 brands.
Rajay Singh, owner of Director’s Think Tank and also co-founder of Beautiful Machines, a garage specialising in motorcycle customisation work hosted the Launch Party for Art of Speed Asia 2014. He is proud to announce their third year collaboration in support of the event. The Launch Party also featured a pool of local artistes that came together to showcase a Mini Art Gallery curated by District Shop-Gallery, a local graffiti movement from Kuala Lumpur. Guests were entertained with our local “Jimi Hendrix” Md Noor, a tribute to old school blues and other activities.
Autofreaks will be bringing you ‘live’ coverage of the show this 7 & 8 of June, but why not come over for yourself? mark your calendars for that weekend, ‘cos it’s gonna be one heck of a show, not to be missed!
More information about this event, visit www.artofspeedmy.com
