As many might know, the arts industry has been hit exceptionally hard by the various editions of movement control orders due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Many arts venues and spaces are at risk of closing, with uncertainties of sustaining themselves until the country’s economy re-opens.
The largest performing arts centre in the northern region, Performing Arts Centre of Penang (penangpac), is equally at risk.
To date, penangpac has been closed for 286 days, with 80 in-person performances and programs postponed and cancelled. In 2020 and 2021, the centre suffered a total loss of RM495,000.
To sustain the performing arts centre of 22,000 square feet with two theatre halls, three studio spaces and 10 dedicated staff, penangpac requires RM600,000 a year to continue operating.
Over the past year and a half, penangpac has been running a major fundraising effort called “Patron of the Arts” and has successfully raised RM150,000.
Unfortunately, this will not be sufficient.
Whilst the centre is grateful for the generosity and tremendous support from long-standing local patrons and the Penang state government, more is needed to ensure penangpac will be packed with performances and programs for all to enjoy as the arts industry re-opens for live performances and public activities in the weeks and months to come.
The public’s gift of love will be important to maintain penangpac’s facilities, enabling the centre to continue being the only fully functioning performing arts centre in the Northern Region; provide theatre space and studios at affordable rates for those in the arts industry; support newcomers in the performing arts industry by offering collaboration opportunities at zero cost; and offer theatre-based academic courses that enable artistic excellence to be achieved by children from all walks of life.
Thus, with the support of everyone, Penang Art District is collaborating with penangpac to present a 3-night virtual fundraising event to help keep penangpac alive.
The virtual fundraising event will be hosted by Moe Hawk of Penang Hidden Gems, where we will be having conversations with penangpac co-founders Faridah Merican and Joe Hasham; The Rondo Production, which has been supporting penangpac in various fundraising efforts; and also, state exco for tourism and creative economy, Yeoh Soon Hin.
It will be three exciting nights filled with interactive chats and pre-recorded performances by our local performing artists, including a live comedy skit, short plays, music performances and poetry.
The virtual event will be broadcasted via Facebook Live on Performing Arts Centre of Penang (penangpac)’s Facebook Page.
The audience will have the opportunity to donate through direct bank transfer, PayPal or by pledging a donation amount during the live broadcast.