PenangPAC in dire straits, state exco says looking into ways to assist

CORONAVIRUS | Performing Arts Centre of Penang (PenangPAC), the northern region's first performing arts centre, is seeking financial help to sustain itself due to the Movement Control Order and Covid-19 pandemic.

Its publicity manager, FA Abdul said PenangPAC's theatre halls, studios, galleries and their office space have not been operating since the MCO was enforced on March 18.

All three of its revenue streams - venue rental, ticketing and academy courses - have been hit badly, FA lamented.

Due to Covid-19 pandemic, the annual George Town Festival was also cancelled.

"Our losses so far are RM119,981.

"Being a non-profit organisation, PenangPAC never really made money to begin with," said FA, in a statement.

"We have always struggled with losses from year to year, but it has never stopped us from contributing to the community," she added.

FA expressed disappointment and discouragement that the federal government’s aid packages do not include any form of funding or subsidies for the practitioners of arts.

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Nancy Shukri also continued to receive flak for seemingly downplaying the challenges faced by the domestic arts sector in light of the pandemic.

FA said the Penang government has been cultivating the arts and culture industry for the past 10 years in its vision to turn Penang into an arts hub.

She said artistes were very grateful to the state government for working on a “support first, revitalise after” plan to ensure the survival of the arts and culture industry in Penang during this pandemic.

"Unfortunately, at the time this press release was written, the Penang government’s aid package does not include PenangPAC, the biggest performing arts centre in the state," FA said.

"Without the support from the federal and state governments, not only are our theatres left in the dark, but we feel we are also left to struggle on our own to survive," she added.

When contacted, state executive councillor on arts, culture, tourism and heritage Yeoh Soon Hin said the outbreak of Covid-19 has caused a global domino effect with drastic effects.

He said during such uncertain times, the arts and culture industries are also unavoidably affected with events cancelled and postponed.

"The Penang government looks seriously on the impact on the arts and culture industry.

"Therefore, we are looking into various channels to assist PenangPAC as they are one of the important performing arts centres in the state," he added.

Meanwhile, PenangPAC is asking every person whose life has been touched by its performers and performing arts to make a RM1 gift for the future of the centre to help cover its losses.

FA said PenangPAC was officially opened on Nov 11, 2011, at 11am and the second one to be established in Malaysia after the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre.

PenangPAC houses a 303-seater proscenium theatre (Stage 1), 120-seater black box theatre (Stage 2), three multi-functional studios and two gallery spaces.

Those interested to help can send RM1 to Affin Bank to account number 101190004187 (Swift Code PHBMMYKL).

"Please write “#rm1 gift” on the remark section.

"If you need a receipt for tax exemption, please contact our company manager Alexander Ooi before making the transfer," said FA.

Ooi can be contacted at +6012-437 0283 for any enquiries. - Mkini