THE arts has often been linked with cultural expression from a creative mind.
“By celebrating them, we promote our state as a unique melting pot,” Penang Tourism Development, Heritage, Culture and Arts Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said in his speech during the launching ceremony of Zunar’s solo exhibition at the Penang Art Gallery in Dewan Sri Pinang today.
Yeoh said that Penang needed more aspiring young artists to grow their talents and continue to develop arts in the state.
“Programmes such as this can develop the interest of those who are keen on doing arts.
“We hope that the Penang Art Gallery will continue to play its role in uplifting the standard of arts in Penang,” Yeoh, who is also the Penang Museum Board chairman, said.
Yeoh said his office was mulling the idea of transforming the former Seberang Perai Municipal Council building into an arts centre called ‘Creative Butterworth’.
“The building is located near the Penang Sentral and it can promote arts, culture and tourism in Seberang Perai,” he added.
Yeoh also congratulated Penang Art Gallery chairman Lee Khai for his effort in bringing Zunar’s exhibition to Penang; and curator Haryany Mohamad and her team for making the exhibition a success.
Renowned cartoonist Zulkiflee SM Anwar Ulhaque, or better known as Zunar, is currently having his solo exhibition, entitled ‘Art of Freedom by Zunar’, at the art gallery until May 23.
The solo exhibition was opened by Port Dickson MP Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Story by Christopher Tan