THE state executive councillor office for Tourism and Creative Economy (Petace) will be organising an art event, called the Beyond Contemporary Art Penang: International Art Summit and Expo this year from Nov 9 to 12 at the St Giles The Wembley Hotel in George Town.
Supported by the Penang government, this four-day event will cover four art programmes, namely the Art Summit, Art Exhibition, Art Auction and a Gala Dinner.
It is learnt that the art exhibition will showcase over 400 artworks from established and emerging artists, art galleries and art institutions from across the world, while esteemed speakers from the Asia Pacific region will engage in talks and discussions during the art summit.
Meanwhile, the art auction will look to benefit a local charity in Penang and a prestigious gala dinner on the closing day to celebrate and acknowledge prominent art players and key contributors to the art world.
Beyond Contemporary Art Penang president Datuk Ch’ng Huck Theng said art is like the soul of a nation such as Malaysia, where diverse cultural influences result in something distinct that cannot be replicated or experienced anywhere else in the world.
“This art event, unlike any other, will have four focus areas, and they are education, art, tourism and business.
“When the creators are here to exhibit their artworks, we want them to connect personally with the visitors, grooming those passionate art lovers and making them understand the significance of art in today’s world and the future.
“Through this event, we have many objectives to achieve, namely to align with the Penang Tourism Master Plan 2021 – 2030 direction, creating a shoutout that Penang is the home of many great artists, boosting the state’s creative economy and art tourism and to provide a platform for local artists to go international.
“Besides, holding a major art expo like this will help cultivate better art appreciation locally, especially among the youth,” Ch’ng said in his speech during the announcement ceremony of the art event at St Giles The Wembley Hotel in George Town today.
Meanwhile, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said this platform will provide exciting opportunities for art connoisseurs, gallery owners, private and corporate collectors, museum directors and curators and potential buyers to further explore the world of art more personally.
“I am proud that Penang is once again taking the lead in promoting tourism, art, business and education in a very creative manner.
“We look forward to including this into our annual calendar of events for Penang from this year onwards,” Yeoh said in his speech.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat