Weaving Stories of Art from the Past and Present: Part I

“With my knowledge about the traditions of Penang, I am helping to inject some local elements in the stories, characters, costumes, music and dialogues so that local audiences can relate to the performances more,” says ethnomusicologist and Ombak Potehi founder Tan Sooi Beng, who is grateful for the platform and…

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Azmi Hussin Continues to Create During the COVID-19 Pandemic

If there’s one thing we know about Azmi Hussin, it’s that he works hard. At one point in his life, the then father of two with a third on the way had only RM 2.50 in his pocket. While sitting at the Esplanade scrolling through his phone to see who…

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Drawing on the Power of the Arts

The creative industry is increasingly being recognised as one of the key driving factors for economies worldwide. Indeed, the importance of the creative economy was given acknowledgement on a global stage when in 2019, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2021 to be the International Year of Creative Economy for…

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With Support, Disability Arts Can Grow…And They Should.

The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted our lives, and it’s been particularly challenging for individuals living with disabilities. The sudden change in routine can be startling for people with autism spectrum disorder. The visually impaired people struggle to maintain a physically-distanced space without being able to see it. Staying at home…

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Stories from the Lenses

Penang is pretty special. Other than its street food, the state’s charm lies in its photogenic settings. From its colonial and heritage buildings to its people, culture, rugged landscapes, idyllic seascapes and humble street food, there’s always a postcard-perfect view waiting to be captured. During the day, this fascinating state…

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Can the Arts Bring Value to Our City?

Nine years ago, you wouldn’t be able to imagine that George Town would soon be a recognised street art capital in the world, in league with the likes of New York and Berlin. That’s because it wasn’t; until sometime in 2012, when the arts broke out from within the confines…

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