THE 16th edition of the George Town Festival (GTF) 2025 kicked off today and will run until Aug 10 (Sunday), featuring over 50 performances across a diverse spectrum of arts and culture.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the festival has grown tremendously since its inception in 2010, which was launched to commemorate George Town’s inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.
“It has now become a key platform to celebrate and share Penang’s cultural identity with both locals and the international community,” he said.
“It’s more than just an arts festival – it’s a space where Penangites and people from all walks of life come together to share stories, celebrate creativity, and connect through culture.
“This year’s theme, ‘Connection’, says it all. In a time when the world often feels divided, the arts remind us of what we have in common – our hopes, our struggles, and our sense of place and belonging.”
Chow said a highlight of this year’s festival is that 80% of the over 50 programmes are free of charge, allowing more people to participate.
The state government, he emphasised, has consistently supported GTF as a means of bringing people into the heart of George Town to experience its culture, heritage, traditions, and arts – the elements that define the city as a living heritage site.
“Let us all come together in George Town to witness the richness of our heritage, the diversity of our cultural performances, and the spirit of artistic expression,” he said, urging families, youths, and senior citizens from all backgrounds to take part in the celebration.
One of the major highlights this year is the TERANG 2025 projection mapping initiative, which invited the public to participate.
“I’ve been informed that over 40 projection pieces will be displayed over two nights, starting tonight at Town Hall in the Esplanade. These are the products of our people’s creativity and innovation, shared with both visitors and locals,” Chow said.
“Terang”, meaning “bright” in Malay, is a projection mapping showcase by Filamen that transforms George Town’s historic Town Hall into a glowing canvas of digital artistry.
Chow added that GTF adopts a different theme each year, with the organisers encouraging art activists and enthusiasts to submit proposals for consideration.
“This time, from the many submissions received, we selected 50 performances to be featured. It is one of the ways we involve the public and ensure the community plays a key role in the festival’s success,” he said.
Chow added that another highlight is ‘Living the Tanjong Life’, a heartfelt tribute to the late Azmi Hussin, a friend and long-time George Town Festival collaborator.
“His cartoons captured the heart and humour of Penang life like no other. This programme at LUMA will showcase Azmi’s work through an exhibition and a documentary currently in progress,” he said.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the state was proud to present the vibrant line-up.
“We are featuring 18 international presentations, 32 Malaysian programmes, and 22 homegrown works by Penang-based artists and groups,” he said.
“This demonstrates our strong commitment to nurturing and uplifting local voices. Let the George Town Festival 2025 remind us that art, in its many forms, continues to shape how we connect, remember, and move forward together.”
Wong expressed hope that both locals and international visitors will take the opportunity to explore the city’s heritage enclave during the festival.
Among those present at the opening ceremony were Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying, state Social Development, Welfare and Non-Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, Seri Delima assemblywoman Connie Tan, Berapit assemblywoman Heng Lee Lee, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid, George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee, Penang Global Tourism (PGT) chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan and GTF 2025 director Jack Wong.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Siew Chia En