Starbucks Malaysia is taking a bold step into art and community engagement with its latest campaign, ‘Brewing Art for Good: The Bearista Project’. This cool initiative showcases Malaysia’s diverse art scene and emphasises inclusivity by featuring works from talented local artists, including deaf and autistic artists and creative art students.
A celebration of talent and inclusivity
Starbucks, actively promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, has launched groundbreaking projects like the world’s first Starbucks Signing Store in Malaysia. Now, the Bearista Project elevates the beloved Starbucks Bearista, a charming plush bear donned in its iconic green apron and delightful seasonal costume, by introducing a series of life-sized versions, each meticulously crafted with passion and purpose by local Malaysian talents.
In celebration of its 25th anniversary in Malaysia, Starbucks’ ‘The Bearista Project’ features 25 life-sized Bearista designs, each representing the diversity of Malaysia’s states. Launched at Pavilion Damansara Heights on June 22, the project introduced 12 life-sized Bearistas, with more to come by December 2024. These Bearistas, hand-painted by local talents, will be showcased at selected Starbucks stores nationwide.
Art for a cause
Additionally, Starbucks has introduced a limited-edition series of mini-Bearista collectibles, available in ‘blind boxes’ for RM25 each at all Starbucks stores. These mini-Bearistas mirror the designs of their life-sized counterparts, offering customers a chance to support the artists and contribute to a good cause. Part of the proceeds will be donated to charity.
Dato’ Sydney Quays, Group CEO of Berjaya Food Berhad and Managing Director of Berjaya Starbucks, stated that a portion of the proceeds from mini-Bearista sales will be returned to the artists and donated to a Gaza humanitarian fund championed by MERCY Malaysia.
By January 2025, the entire amount is intended to be donated to the Palestine Relief Fund of MERCY Malaysia. This humanitarian aid effort is in addition to the RM1,000,000 that the corporation donated in October via the Malaysian government-run Tabung Amanah Kemanusiaan Rakyat Palestine (AAKRP).
At the launch event, Starbucks unveiled the first three mini-Bearista designs by deaf artists Lim Anuar and Deudney Anak Richard, and autistic illustrator Luqman Hakim. These mini-Bearistas will be available starting June 25, with new designs released monthly until December 2024.
Starbucks Malaysia has also launched a dedicated webpage to commemorate its 25 years of business. This webpage serves as a one-stop shop for all anniversary events and promotions, artist profiles and video interviews, limited-edition merchandise, and more.
