GEORGE TOWN, June 23 ― Penang has approved a RM100,000 allocation for the Performing Arts Centre of Penang (Penangpac) to continue its work in the culture, heritage and arts industry.
Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng presented a cheque for the amount to Penangpac co-founder Datuk Faridah Merican and artistic director Joe Hasham at a ceremony today.
"Penang has a long history of cultural excellence as I hope that Faridah, as a Penang girl, will want to play a part in restoring the glory days of Penang as a centre for arts and culture," Lim said.
According to Faridah, Penangpac was now in its fifth year but continues to face challenges in securing adequate funding, although she said this was the norm with the arts industry.
Joe thanked the Penang state government for the funding, and expressed hope that it would spur others, particularly private corporations and individuals, to help finance the centre.
"We can't be relying on the state government to fund us, we need the people to also support us," he said.
Penangpac was founded by The Actors Studio Sdn Bhd and supported by E&O Berhad in 2011. The non-profit organisation's main goals were to promote the arts, educate and entertain people through the performing arts.
