SINGAPORE - A three-week long festival showcase at the Malay Heritage Centre for traditional and contemporary Malay arts was launched on Monday night.

With work by visual and performing artists from Singapore and the region, the Malay CultureFest 2014 will run from Oct 13 to Nov 2. Entrance is free.

The third edition of the annual festival coincides with a new Budi Daya exhibition, also at the centre, that mixes historical artefacts from the National Collection with modern paintings and video art. Budi Daya explores the value and meaning of culture from the Malay perspective.

There will be talks, workshops and performances, including a Star Wars-inspired performance of Fusion Wayang Kulit as part of the festival.

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong said at the launch that the Malay Heritage Centre, which was officially re-opened in 2012 after a 16-month makeover, has done well to actively engage the community in the area. "I encourage the centre to strengthen its community partnerships and keep coming up with new and fresh ideas. Together, let's make Kampong Glam an even more vibrant and beloved historic district," he said.

The efforts play into a larger push by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth to develop cultural districts around Singapore. Already, there is the civic district - the stretch along the banks of the Singapore River including the Esplanade, Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall and the upcoming National Gallery Singapore - and the Bras Basah Bugis precinct. which includes the National Museum of Singapore and the Singapore Art Museum.

"These districts are full of exciting programmes that help build up artistic and cultural ecosystems. I am sure all Singaporeans will want to see more of such places throughout Singapore," said Mr Wong.