Starbucks ‘Bearista’ donates RM500k to Palestine Relief and Malaysian artists

More than 60 Malaysian artists and emerging art students, including those from the deaf and autistic community, were honored at the Starbucks Art For Good: The Bearista Art Project. These artists lent their talent to design 25 unique life-sized Bearistas that transform the beloved Starbucks bear into powerful works of art.

Held at Pavilion Bukit Jalil from 22 to 24 February 2025, the event marked the grand finale the year-long campaign. The Starbucks Art For Good: The Bearista Art Project was launched in December 2023 to commemorate Starbucks Malaysia’s 25th anniversary, while providing local artists with a platform to showcase their creativity. Many of these artists have overcome personal challenges, using art as a form of self-expression and storytelling.

‘Mini-Bearista’ collection supports local artists and MERCY Malaysia’s Palestine Relief Fund

As the project gained momentum, it expanded into a collection of ‘Mini-Bearista’ collectibles which are available for purchase at all Starbucks stores nationwide. This not only allows more people to support local artistry, but also to support MERCY Malaysia’s Palestine Relief Fund.

Starbucks Malaysia also made a surprise announcement, pledging a further RM500,000 to the participating artists and the Palestine Relief Fund.

Of this, RM250,000 will be distributed among the participating artists in recognition of their talent and contribution. 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 Palestinian communities in need.

A Malaysian Record and grounds for more coffee connections

Aside from games and giveaways, attendees were treated to several special events that highlighted inclusiveness. Among these are a special performance by DeafBeat Malaysia, a group of Deaf percussionists; and 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 cinnamon sprinkle on the event was a second surprise announcement.

Starbucks Malaysia informed the collaborating artists that their dedication and creativity had earned a spot in the Malaysia Book of Records. The project was officially awarded the title of “Most ‘Bearista’ Art in a Community Project”

Finally, the event also unveiled the 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.