THE week-long ‘Isle to Isle’ arts programmes are coming to an end.
Created in collaboration with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia (TECO), George Town Festival (GTF) launched the series of of programmes highlighting the very best of Taiwanese performing arts, as well as creative and art administration.
TECO Culture Division director Peggy Chou said the week-long cultural programmes were important to foster stronger relationship with Penang through arts and culture.
“Taipei and Penang share many things in common, especially in cultural exchange.
“I hope that the ‘Isle to Isle’ programmes will have a great success,” she said in her speech during the launching ceremony at Mano Plus Lifestyle in Beach Street today.
Taipei City Government Cultural Affairs Commissioner Chung Yung-Feng said Taipei City had been expanding their arts and culture to South-East Asia (SEA) countries, in line with the city’s expansion policy.
“We hope to showcase Taipei City’s arts and local brands internationally by collaborating with GTF.
“GTF is one of the most influential festivals in the SEA.
“This is a good platform for us to promote cultural bonds with Penang and Malaysia.
“Thank you for having us here,” he said.
Bukit Bendera MP Wong Hon Wai thanked the Taipei counterparts for supporting arts through GTF.
“This is just the beginning of a wonderful relationship between the two cities.
“I hope that GTF can continue to have international outreach to promote arts and culture,” he said, on behalf of Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Also present was GTF director Joe Sidek.
The Isle to Isle is running from Aug 12 to 19.
Among the ‘must-not-be-missed’ programmes are the Taishin Arts Award-nominated and mythological musical theatre piece Isle of Dreams, the abstract dance show Second Body, contemporary circus performance ‘Kaxabu! A language no longer spoken?’ and the Taiwan Creative Market.
Visit the George Town Festival website for more details.
Story and pix by Christopher Tan
