The retail industry and the art scene took a huge hit when Covid-19 ravaged the world in 2020.
Though restrictions have been lifted and things are more or less returning to normal (despite Covid-19 and its many variants still posing a threat), we are seeing more and more businesses who try something different, thrive.
Before the pandemic, malls were popping up everywhere in the Klang Valley and all of them had the same concept and retailers.
Some could barely sustain themselves and could barely attract customers. Retail therapy is a hard sell when most people can barely make ends meet.
However, in 2019, just before the pandemic, GMBB opened its doors in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur and despite the odds, it is part of our thriving cultural scene. On paper, their concept should not have worked but somehow, they survived.
“We are a creative community mall that focuses on art, heritage, culture and anything creative or innovative,” described the curator of GMBB Lim Ying Xian.
Some people who visited the mall when it first opened thought it was a giant exhibition hall.
“The reason people think that is because we were testing the market with our pilot project that was more exhibition style,” Lim explained.
She said it was only a temporary project for about three months.
“Now the first two floors are retail-focused. We have quite a few different tenants. It is very lifestyle-oriented. We are also still focused on art.
“Right now, we have workshops for roller-blading conducted by the national coach and art classes that go on regularly. We have wayang kulit (shadow puppet) making workshops twice a month. We also have Hands Percussion performing twice a week,” said Lim, who added that there will be other musical performances on site.
GMBB is noted for various art exhibitions, performances and workshops on site.
Among the ones currently running are Gerimis Art Project, which features art and crafts by various indigenous communities in Malaysia, Maryam Saves a Heart Showcase (featured artwork by Maryam Zhafira, a 10-year-old with Down's Syndrome), Learning Drums workshop by Hands Percussion and many others.
On how they come up with themes and ideas for what is featured at the mall, Lim said: “Some of them approach us, some find out about us through word of mouth and some we seek out because we are curious about what they do.
"Generally, if we find something that is not widely known in Malaysia, we try to share it here.”
They look forward to working together with Tourism Malaysia, the Tourism Ministry and regional tourism departments in the near future.
‘We’re targeting everyone’
Every state has its museums and galleries. Klang Valley has more than its fair share, but all seem to be attracting the same crowd.
“We are targeting everyone. From children to parents to senior citizens. Anyone interested in the arts and culture, anyone who is curious, will come. That way we can continue to grow, grow the community and grow the market.
“I know a lot of people are focusing only on the young crowd, but I feel we need to come at it from all angles. With our diversity in retail and tenants, we feel we can do that,” Lim shared.
Right now, they have an interesting festival called Stories+Art=Picture Books festival (until July 17) by the Museum of Picturebook Art, a tenant on level one.
Over 20 local illustrators will be showcasing their talent on-site. There will also be workshops and other related activities. There will also be Merdeka Day and National Day celebrations in August and September respectively.
Something big in October
She said GMBB tries to have several things going on at once to bring in niche crowds.
However, there is something big to look forward to in October.
“Last year, we did Telur Pecah and this year, we will be holding Telur Pecah 2.022. It will be organised by GMBB, and Telur Pecah curator Phillip Ong. It will be bigger and feature 120 artists.
“Last year, we featured 50. They come from diverse backgrounds and different mediums. This time around, there will also be indigenous artists,” Lim said.
The artists featured in this exhibition are by invitation only.
Lim said GMBB tends to draw in niche crowds who come in for one thing but end up being drawn to other things going on at the mall as well. - Mkini
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