The programme is a monthly event for duration of up to 6-months which is open to the public with free access to all to participate, immerse, experience and learn more about Malaysia's arts, culture and heritage. Pentas Seni Merdeka also creates a convergence for involvement of various stakeholders and cross-sector collaborators to work collectively towards a shared vision of increasing equitable spaces by fueling local economies and creating collective impact in transformation of the city.

The historic and institutional core of Kuala Lumpur has progressively lost its significance and physical upkeep, posing a significant opportunity for wider urban regeneration within the central area to improve dilapidated buildings and run down public spaces around the Dataran Merdeka precinct.

Drawing inspiration from cultural based urban regeneration examples globally combined with recommendations from the Kuala Lumpur Creative Cultural District (Strategic Masterplan), Think City in collaboration with DBKL launched Pentas Seni Merdeka as a convergence platform to advocate for equitable social spaces through arts and culture with combined effort to reignite vibrancy within the heritage core of the city.

Think City’s goal is to reposition the Downtown Kuala Lumpur area as an iconic attraction with a focus on culture, arts, heritage, creativity, and innovation. This includes securing, activating and rehabilitating existing assets while connecting to a broader network which stimulates new economic activity and improves liveability.

Set against the backdrop of the Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad complex, Pentas Seni Merdeka draws on the unique sense of place, connection, and appeal that aspires to elevate the refreshed efforts and spirit of revitalising Downtown KL area.