THE Penang government will continue to play its role to uplift arts in a bid to generate economic growth for the state and country.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said arts is something unique that could promote peace and harmony.
He said it is a form of expression which conveys ‘emotional messages’ from the artist to his or her viewers.
“The arts also covers literature, painting, sculpture and building as it becomes an integral part of human life,” he said in his speech before the opening of Art for Peace forum in Eastern & Oriental (E&O) Hotel today.
The forum was attended by consul-general of the People’s Republic of China in Penang Lu Shiwei, IJM Land Berhad senior general manager (northern region) Datuk Toh Chin Leong, Global Chinese Arts & Culture Society president Prof Lin Xiang Xiong and other distinguished guests.
Chow hoped that all the attendees would take the opportunity to enjoy attractions that Penang has to offer.
Chow had attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the turtle-shaped Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery along the coastline in Gelugor, yesterday.
The 88,000sq ft gallery, to be set up on a 0.9 acre site, is expected to be completed by the end of 2021.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhammad