THE George Town Festival 2024 is currently accepting proposals from creatives, with the submission period running from Nov 16 to Dec 31 of this year.
Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai invited both local and international participants to join in the festival scheduled for July 19 to 28 next year (2024), themed ‘Here & Now’.
“The festival has experienced an incredible 14 years under three different state executive councils (excos) and three different festival organisers.
“Today we see George Town Festival transformed into a unique and premier arts and cultural event in Malaysia,” Wong told a media conference in Komtar yesterday (Nov 16). He said that the George Town Festival was first introduced during his tenure as the exco for arts back in 2010.
Wong emphasised that arts and culture should not merely be constituted as expressions of creativity and imagination.
“It is integral to a nation’s heritage and identity, acting as a beacon for tolerance and the appreciation of diversity,” he emphasised.
Festival director Chin Teo said the George Town Festival 2024 aims to retain its role as an all-encompassing platform for local and international artistic talents, enhancing public interaction with and appreciation for the arts.
“Therefore, we welcome performers to engage in dialogues, offering a wide range of traditional and experimental art forms, encompassing theatre, dance, music, film, and visual etc,” Chin said.
To steer the festival in a new direction while maintaining its rich legacy, Kerson Media has been appointed for the 2024 and 2025 editions, replacing TLM Event Sdn. Bhd, which organised the festival for the past five years.
Ling Tang has been appointed as artistic director for two terms, bringing extensive artistic background and international exchange experience.
In a bid to establish itself as an internationally renowned and influential cultural event, the festival is actively seeking additional funding.
“Therefore, we extend an open invitation to businesses, corporations, foundations, and non-governmental organisations for sponsorships and collaboration, including individuals who are looking to support the local arts scene,” Chin stated.
Also in attendance at the press conference were Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng and George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GWTHI) acting manager Vick Quah.
Visit www.georgetownfestival.com for more details.
Since its inception in 2010, George Town Festival has served as the country’s and region’s flagship arts and cultural festival.
The George Town Festival, observed annually in July, commemorates the George Town World Heritage City Day. Over the years, it has evolved into a prominent platform for showcasing the rich diversity and artistry of the city.
Endorsed by the Penang government, the festival has also garnered substantial support from George Town World Heritage Incorporated and Penang Global Tourism.
Story by Norman Sim
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar