THE Malaysian Craft Council (MCC) is all geared up to bring the ‘Penang Exchange 2022’, one of its kind event that showcases the cultural heritage of the country by promoting local artisans.
The three-day event will take place from Sept 30 to Oct 2 at three different locations on the island, namely Think City Penang (UAB Building), a stretch of Gat Lebuh China; Dewan Budaya USM and Penang Peranakan Mansion.
Its president Nik Faiz Nik M. Amin said Penang is an amazing representation of Malaysia’s vibrant culture of the multi-racial community.
“Following the major success of Kelantan Exchange 2020 and 2021, we decided to bring the event to Penang as it defines well with the statement truly Asia.
“It is heartwarming to witness the vibrant art and craft scene of the state and also the strong support from the Tourism Ministry and the state government.
“Many asked us why Penang? And I said, why not as Penang has always been synonymous with arts as well as a nurturing environment for crafts,” said Nik during a press conference at the Peranakan Mansion yesterday (Sept 12).
Nik added that some 30,000 visitors are expected to attend the event.
“The ‘Penang Exchange 2022’ is an inclusive platform for local artisans to position themselves and connect with the public or the right audience that will help accelerate their growth in the industry without depending on middlemen or traders.
“Through events such as this, MCC would like to become the voice and provide an accurate representation of Malaysian artisans while eliminating any form of monopoly or manipulation in the industry that has resulted in the extinction of some of the invaluable crafts,” he said.
The MCC has collaborated with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture (Motac), Tourism Malaysia, Japanese Foundation Penang, Penang state Department of Arts and Culture, British Council, Penang Peranakan Mansion, Think City Penang, state government and a few agencies to organise the ‘Penang Exchange 2022’.
Also present were Motac representative Amir Azhar, USM Cultural Hall director Ramnah Ramli, Kraftangan Malaysia Pulau Pinang director Yusri Gulam, Penang Island City Council Department of Corporate Management and Community event director Khairol Izwan Selamat, M-Gate managing director Faizal Shebi, Peranakan Baba Nyonya Association Pulau Pinang president Lilian Tong, Penang Women’s Development Corporation chief executive officer Ong Bee Leng and The Prestige Hotel general manager Melvin Ooi.
The programme line-up includes the Art & Craft Bazaar, Street Food Fiesta, Rhythm of The Island, Art Demonstration, P. Ramlee Theatrical Concert and Dondang Sayang Soiree Gala Dinner.
Those who are interested can log onto https://pe22.doceo.my/ to get the tickets. Do not miss to be part of this unique event!
For further enquiries visit www.malaysiancraftcouncil.org or follow its Facebook page at Malaysian Craft Council or Instagram at malaysiancraftcouncil.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat