Starbucks Malaysia Bearista Art Project Contributes RM500,000 to Malaysian Artists & Palestine Relief Fund

Recently sis attended Starbucks Malaysia's grand finale of its year-long campaign, the ‘Starbucks Art For Good: The Bearista Art Project’, with a powerful celebration of creativity, inclusivity, and social impact at Pavilion Bukit Damansara. 

The Starbucks Art For Good: The Bearista Art Project was launched in December 2023 to commemorate Starbucks Malaysia’s 25th anniversary, this initiative provided local artists with a platform to showcase their creativity while making a meaningful difference. 

Starbucks Malaysia Bearista Art Project Contributes RM500,000 to Malaysian Artists & Palestine Relief Fund 

Held at Pavilion Bukit Jalil from 22 to 24 February 2025, the event honored more than 60 Malaysian artists (individuals and groups), including Deaf, autistic, and emerging art students, who lent their talent to design 25 unique ‘Life-Sized Bearista’ figures, transforming the beloved Starbucks bear icon into powerful works of art. Many of these artists have overcome personal challenges, using art as a form of self-expression and storytelling, proving that creativity knows no boundaries. 

Life-sized bearista, designed by local artists, Starbucks Malaysia Bearista Art Project

Life-sized bearista, designed by local artists, Starbucks Malaysia Bearista Art Project

Blooming Malaysia, designed by Lazim Ismail, Batik Artist, Starbucks Malaysia Bearista Art Project

As the project gained momentum, it expanded into a collection of ‘Mini-Bearista’ collectibles, inspired by the life-sized figures, and made available for purchase at all Starbucks stores nationwide. 

Full collection of ‘Mini-Bearista’ collectibles, inspired by the life-sized figures, Starbucks Malaysia Bearista Art Project

This allowed more people to engage with the campaign while supporting local artistry. In collaboration with homegrown international NGO MERCY Malaysia, customers were also invited to contribute to a greater cause through their purchases.

Starbucks Malaysia's total contribution of RM500,000m Starbucks Malaysia Bearista Art Project

The highlight of the event was the grand finale ceremony on 22 February, where Starbucks Malaysia made a surprise announcement, pledging RM500,000 to further the impact of this initiative. RM250,000 will be distributed among the participating artists in recognition of their talent and contribution, while the remaining RM250,000 will be donated to MERCY Malaysia’s Palestine Relief Fund, which will be used to support sustainable development projects, including health, water sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and livelihood programs for the Palestinian communities in need. 

“We are deeply inspired by the incredible artists who poured their hearts into this project, and we are honored to support them in their creative journey. This initiative embodies our commitment to fostering inclusivity in the arts while making a tangible impact in Malaysia and Palestine,” said Dato’ Sydney Quays, Group CEO of Berjaya Food Berhad and Managing Director of Starbucks Malaysia.

Malaysia Book of Records award for Most Bearista Art in a Community Project, Starbucks Malaysia Bearista Art Project

Adding to the celebration, Starbucks Malaysia surprised the collaborating artists with the exciting news that their dedication and creativity had earned a prestigious recognition in the Malaysia Book of Records. The project was officially awarded the title of “Most ‘Bearista’ Art in a Community Project”, marking a significant achievement in Starbucks Malaysia’s commitment to community engagement.

The grand finale ceremony was a vibrant showcase of artistry and inclusivity, featuring an exhibition of the artists' work, a mock cheque presentation and a special performance by DeafBeat Malaysia, a group of Deaf percussionists proving that rhythm transcends sound. Guests also participated in a Deaf coffee-tasting session led by Lin, a Deaf senior barista working at the world’s first Starbucks Signing Store. 

To further reinforce Starbucks’ mission to champion diversity, the ceremony was fully supported by a sign language interpreter. The event also featured a showcase of all 25 life-sized Bearista, fun games and activations, exclusive merchandise sale, and exciting giveaways.

Grounded in the belief that good things can happen when people connect over coffee, the event also unveiled its upcoming ‘Get Together’ campaign aimed at sparking meaningful conversations that drive positive actions – one conversation at a time, two cups at a time. 

Launching across Asia Pacific, the ‘Get Together’ campaign invites customers to rally around three core pillars: people, community, and environment, with activities and initiatives that foster positive change in ways both big and small.

For more information about Starbucks Malaysia Bearista Art Project Contributes RM500,000 to Malaysian Artists & Palestine Relief Fund, please visit www.starbucks.com.my