George Town, Penang, Malaysia, 13 September 2021: Following the successful results of the ongoing “Arts to Your Doorstep” campaign, George Town Festival is extending the duration of the collaborative campaign until the end of December 2021.

The collaborative project – started in July 2021 and initially planned for three months – aims to support the local creative community who has suffered a level of loss from sales following the pandemic. It also encourages the embrace and practice of digitalisation, particularly in the new normal era so as to boost the creative economy sector. The campaign has drawn some 200 orders from Malaysia, the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Australia, with approximately 500 items purchased online in July and August 2021. Some of the most sought-after creations include the artworks by a Penang-based contemporary artist living with autism Frankie Lim, handcrafted face masks by SAWANG, which focuses on combining traditional heritage elements in modern and wearable garments, and square journals by Kazimi Paper, an arts and crafts store specialising in producing handcrafted items.

Building on this fruitful collaboration between the Festival and collaborating Malaysian artists and brands such as Book Island, Frankie Lim, Either / Or Design, ZNG art, SAWANG, Kenny Loh Couture, Jutozi, Muccapaper, Noom Art Studio, Kazimi Paper, Tan Yu Kai, Studio Howard, Wak Long Music & Art Centre, Happy Dumpy, and Mannik & Batik, the extension will offer an excellent opportunity for participating artists and brands to continue to reap the benefits of selling through the digital marketplace safely.

In addition, the campaign also features the George Town Festival’s publications and merchandise such as Penang at a Glance, a photobook showcasing Penang’s breathtaking landscapes, festivals, celebrations, arts, culture, heritage, people, and lifestyles, captured by four local photographers, Tanjong Life: The New Norm, a comic book illustrated by Penang-born cartoonist Azmi Hussin, which captures the pandemic stories of Penangites, the Festival’s tote bag, and more.

The campaign extension will also ensure that the Festival is able to provide continuous support for homegrown artists and brands by promoting and selling their artworks via George Town Festival website. Local artists and brands interested in collaborating with the Festival to promote their artistic creations can reach out to the Festival via its website at georgetownfestival.com/2021/programmes/arts-to-your-doorstep/.

For more information, please visit georgetownfestival.com or follow George Town Festival on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.