THE first-ever Penang International Container Art Festival (PICAF) 2020 that kicked off in December last year until the end of May this year has so far drawn an overwhelming response from the local community.
The majority of them gave positive reviews of the festival and expressed hopes that the duration could be extended and also become an annual event in the state.
The much-buzzed-about festival features five pop-up container art installations at five different venues.
They are located in Kampung Terang in Balik Pulau, Prangin Mall (George Town), Karpal Singh Drive (Jelutong), Aspen Vision City (Batu Kawan) and the yet-to-be-unveiled container art at Dataran Pemuda Merdeka in Butterworth.
The murals were drawn by 12 international and local artists.
Each installation depicts Penang’s identities and characteristics to create a sense of belonging amongst the communities as well as visitors.
Buletin Mutiara managed to interview a few Penangites and below are their views:
Nur Alia Afrina (23, student)
“I was told that this event is the first of its kind being held in Penang.
“Thus, personally for me, this is such a great festival where we can take a closer look and appreciate the uniqueness of the container artworks at the strategic locations around Penang.
“At the same time, I believe this kind of festival could promote the state as a tourist destination while adding the heritage value through the selected places for this event.”
Muhammad Fariez Jamaludin (26, graphic designer)
“I always jog here at Dataran Pemuda Merdeka every evening since I live in Butterworth and close to the container exhibition area.
“From what I see, there are usually a lot of people coming to the container site every evening, especially during the weekend, to snap some photos.
“This is a very good initiative by the state government in promoting this area.”
Muhamad Syahmi Amri (25, technician)
“I hope the organiser and the state government can add more containers to other locations in the future.
“As there are only five locations right now, perhaps after this exhibition, they can expand it to another 10 or 15 other locations.
“This, in turn, will give locals in other areas as well a chance to see the uniqueness of the artworks during the PICAF festival.”
Bhavana Devi Ravichandran (47, housewife)
“As we know, PICAF festival lasts only for a few months. This may not be enough.
“Thus, it will be great if the organiser could extend its duration or make it an annual event.
“This is to ensure that other people who miss it or want to come again for the same event could experience it once again.”
Leong Ming Shen (49, grocery store owner)
“Apart from promoting a few places in Penang through such event, I also noticed lately there was an increase of visitors in Butterworth, near the container exhibition area.
“This is a really good for me because my grocery shop is just around the corner and I see an increase of customers.
“This festival can also bring a better economic impact to our businesses here.
“Therefore, I hope that this kind of festival can be continued next year.”
PICAF 2020 is organised by Can Can Public Art Plt and endorsed by the Penang government.
For details, visit PICAF 2020 official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PICAF2020/
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis