GEORGE TOWN, Dec 18 — Malaysia has the potential to become an important art hub so the country must continue to push Malaysian art in the world, said Arts Kuala Lumpur-Melbourne event curator Ch’ng Huck Theng.
In appealing to Putrajaya to continue with the programme next year, the Penang Art Society president said the art event plays a far more important role than just selling paintings.
“The event places Malaysia on the map and brands the country as an important art hub on top of promoting Malaysian culture,” he said in an interview with Malay Mail Online.
That’s not all, by pushing Malaysian art overseas, it showcases Malaysia’s unique multicultural and multiracial society through art, he added.
“We have so many talented Malaysian artists and art is the one form that transcends race and religion to bring the people together as Malaysians,” he said.
Ch’ng, who has curated the annual event since it was mooted in 2013, said Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) was on the right track when it introduced the event back then with the intention to promote Malaysian art for export.
The third Arts Kuala Lumpur-Melbourne was held in October this year but it may be the last as Matrade did not announce a fourth edition of the event.
“It was a 12-day event and it was successful as it not only gave Malaysian artists a platform to showcase their work internationally but it was also a bridge between the business community in Australia and Malaysia,” he said.
Though there was only sales of RM800,000 from the sale of the art works during the event this year, he believed the effect of the event is more far reaching in establishing Malaysia as a brand, much like what Singapore and Indonesia had successfully done.
He pointed out how Singapore had focused on art with events like Art Basel Singapore and Arts Singapore that have turned the small country into an art hub in the region.
“We are not talking about just promoting paintings and artists but looking at the bigger picture to position Malaysia, place it on the map, and branding Malaysia as a vibrant multicultural country with a strong Malaysian identity through its art,” he said.
He said both the patron of Multicultural Arts Victoria, Jason Yeap, and the Planning City of Melbourne Chairman, Ken Ong, had said the event was a good and important platform to bring Malaysian art to Australia on top of connecting Malaysian businesses with their Australian counterparts.
Ch’ng, who is also an artist and sculptor, said more than 40 Malaysian artists were showcased in the three years he curated the event.
“Every time there is a budget cut, arts is the first thing to be cut out when actually arts is very important because it is our culture, our identity and it is the spark that spurs creativity,” he said.
He reminded Putrajaya that creativity is important for innovative ideas in any field and art is the first step towards sparking creativity.
