SEVERAL of the 3D artworks exhibited in Queensbay Mall since March 23 have unfortunately been vandalized and damaged.
“The Penang Arts Week is an initiative started by my office and the state government to promote and encourage the growth of arts in the state.
“It is also a common platform for local talents to step up and showcase their artworks and nuture young talents.
“Vandalism is a disregard and insult on the dedications and efforts made by artists on the artworks,” exco for Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage (PETACH), Yeoh Soon Hin told a press conference at the Penang Arts Week display in Queensbay Mall this morning.
He said as an event open freely for public viewing without charge, it is organized with the aim of raising public awareness and appreciation towards arts, and such acts will hamper the growth of arts in the state.
“Vandalism is one of the biggest obstacle to the growth of Penang’s rich art scence.
“While, I believe that these acts does not represent everyone, I believe that everyone can play a role in deterring future acts of vandalism by being vigilant and handling the exhibits with care,” he stressed.
Yeoh commented: “We will be repairing the damaged artworks. However, should there be a repeated episode of vandalism, it is with a heavy heart that the damaged artworks would have to be taken out from Arts Week before the end of the exhibition on April 6.”
Story by Danny Ooi
Pix by Alissala Thian.