THE Treasures of the Nanhai: Heritage × Art × Community exhibition, commemorating the 400th anniversary of the Wanli Shipwreck, will be held at Think City @ UAB Building from Dec 5 to Dec 14, from 10am to 4pm daily.
The international exhibition will feature artists from seven regions and highlight Penang’s evolving creative scene.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the initiative shows how art, heritage and community could come together in meaningful and sustainable ways.
“This project is a remarkable example of how Penang’s creative ecosystem continues to thrive, where art, heritage, and community come together in a meaningful and sustainable way,” he said during the press conference at Komtar.
Wong said the exhibition reflects the state’s vision to position Penang not only as a city of heritage but also as a creative city that connects the past, present and future through culture and innovation.
He praised the Penang Art District, curator Elain Wong, and Smile Living Studio for leading the collaboration, supported by Think City Penang, Straits & Oriental Museum, and Howei through the Draw My Nanhai Dream community programme.
“Bringing together artists from seven regions to explore maritime heritage through art is no easy task. It combines creativity, education and storytelling, and reflects the spirit of collaboration that defines Penang’s creative sector,” he said.
Wong added that despite limited resources, the Treasures of the Nanhai team has shown strong perseverance and imagination.
“This is what truly defines Penang’s creative economy, not just talent, but collaboration,” he said.
Penang Art District representative Kenny Ng said the project clearly shows what Penang’s creative ecosystem stands for – resilience, innovation and collaboration.
“It is not driven by a large institution, but by passionate artists and cultural practitioners working with boundless creativity and heart,” he said.
Curator Elain Wong from Smile Living Studio said the project began with a simple intention that is to reconnect history, people and the sea through art.
“Treasures of the Nanhai is not merely about a shipwreck. It is a journey of rediscovery on how art can awaken memory, culture and emotional connection,” she said.
She said the exhibition’s Artefacts & Cultural Creative section blends archaeology and artistry through creative reinterpretations of maritime artefacts.
“Through this fusion, history is no longer confined to museum glass but reborn through imagination, allowing people to see and experience it themselves.
Also present were Kraak Creations founder Ben Rongen and director Joan Cheong.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian