Financial assistance for programmes run by arts and cultural NGOs

 

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) has allocated RM300,000 this year to assist the implementation of arts and cultural programmes run by non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the financial assistance, using the department's existing allocation, would be opened for NGOs for two weeks, starting end of this month, as well as in June and September.

"This is part of the ministry's efforts in helping and supporting the industry activists and players, which subsequently will boost the country's arts and cultural industry," she said at the launch of JKKN's 2021 Calendar and art appreciation.

The launch, which was held virtually, was also attended by the ministry's secretary-general Datuk Dr Noor Zari Hamat and JKKN director-general Mesran Mohd Yusop.

Nancy said last year, JKKN received 80 arts incentive applications.

"Fifty-two of these applications were for the financial incentive, while another 28 applications were for space incentive at JKKN complex nationwide."

She said 25 financial incentive applications were approved for 25 NGOs, with a total amount of RM286,500.

"As for space incentive, 27 applications were approved through strategic cooperation with 17 NGOs.

"This strategic cooperation allows NGOs to be exempted from paying rent for the use of space in JKKN complex nationwide."

Nancy also said the unprecedented Covid-19 had called arts and cultural industry players to utilise various digital technology platforms to disseminate information and art activities.

She said JKNN was among the agencies under the ministry that had taken a proactive step by organising 266 art activities and programmes online last year.

"This year, JKNN targets 279 activities and programmes nationwide as its key performance indicator, following the standard operating procedures as outlined by the National Security Council."

Nancy said based on social media statistic reports, positive feedback was received from the community as well as arts and cultural activists, with 4,020,792 online viewers.

"Therefore, I hope that the arts and cultural industry players will not give up and adapt to the new normal in their activities."

-nst online.