RM8mil in Malaysian art sold since 1MCAT’s launch

KUALA LUMPUR: Millions of ringgit of Malaysian artworks have been sold since the 1Malaysia Contemporary Art Festival (1MCAT) kicked off three years ago, said Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.

The Tourism Minister said the annual festival had boosted Malaysia as an art tourism destination. “This is one of our tourism products,” she said yesterday, adding that over RM8mil in sales had been chalked up through art auctions including RM1.7mil and over RM3mil in sales in 2010 and 2011 respectively. “This year, we've already auctioned off more than RM4mil worth of art,” Dr Ng said in her speech before launching 1MCAT 2012, which will run until September.

Colours of Malaysia: Dr Ng helping to hold up a piece by artist Fuad Abu Bakar (left) in Kuala Lumpur.

To enhance Malaysia's efforts to become an art tourism destination, travel packages including homestays have also been developed. “This is what we mean by being an art tourism destination. “It's not about going to the destination to enjoy the art; it's about going there, finding inspiration and creating your best piece,” she said.

The launch also included a dance from the Sutra Dance Theatre, choreographed and performed by Ramli Ibrahim and his dancers. There was also a live painting demonstration by Raduan Norudin and Datuk Mahsun Taib, who painted the feelings invoked in them through a three-song set performed by Malaysian soprano Syafinaz Selamat.

Many events have been planned to celebrate the three-month festival, including an art tourism competition for students from institutions of higher education. Thirteen travel packages will be introduced, including the chance to visit local artists' studios.

Shopping malls including Pavilion, Sungei Wang and Starhill Gallery will participate through exhibitions and other events. Sarawak, Pahang, Penang, Johor, Malacca, Sabah and Kedah will also organise events at the state-level.

-thestar online.