A scene from the KLPac production 'True Love Waits: Radiohead Tribute', which merged music, dance, theatre and multimedia. It was part of the Yayasan Sime Darby Festival at KLPac in August. Photo: The Star/Kamarul Ariffin
The recent Budget 2024 announcement has generally received positive feedback for its allocations in support of the local arts and culture community.
The waiving of the entertainment tax in the Federal Territories for local arts performances in particular has been lauded.
In a collective statement, local arts coalition ReformARTsi applauded the decision, as the entertainment tax had been a heavy burden upon Malaysian performing arts productions.
“We welcome the allocation of RM10mil in support of local art projects that come under the RM160mil for the creative industry. Benchmarking with a neighbouring country that spent 0.4% of its 2018 GDP on the arts, we would like to encourage the government to continue supporting the arts, as we believe there is still much potential to be nurtured,” the collective outlined in a statement.
Khor Seng Chew, music director for Dama Asia Productions, added, “The full exemption of the 25% tax for local shows is definitely helpful to help sustain the industry and continue the development of the local theatre and performing arts works, as it is very challenging for theatre groups to generate enough surplus for a production as it is.”
There were also calls for budget allocations for the arts to be spread more widely, beyond Kuala Lumpur.
“I hope the relevant authorities can also look into a similar tax exemption policy for productions staged in Petaling Jaya, as there are many shows performed there as well,” suggested Khor.
Joseph Gonzales, founder and artistic director of ASK Dance Company, commented, “Rejuvenation projects focused on the arts and heritage should also include other major cities and not only centre on Kuala Lumpur.”
Gonzales went on to say that the RM10mil set aside for the MyCreative Matching Grant Scheme is a great initiative to support the production of local creative projects.
However, he questioned why there were no allocations for private arts companies, organisations and venues. “When are these needs going to be met, including those who work with fostering interest among youth?”
This sentiment was echoed by Ang Yue May, marketing communications general manager of Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac): “What is missing from the conversation is local arts spaces and non-profit organisations like KLPac that are the hub of performing arts in need of maintenance and repair.”
“Producing shows is one thing that we do, but running an arts centre is another. Even if we get grants for producing shows, it does not help the cost of running KLPac. We hope more dialogue and consideration will be taken to ensure a more equal distribution of funds for different kinds of players,” said Ang.
Other financial incentives and support announced for the art industry include a special relief of up to RM200,000 will be given for each order of purchases from handicraft entrepreneurs registered under Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation to promote local handicraft, such as batik.
“This will strengthen the local craft industry and encourage more involvement from rural community crafters by helping them to generate a steady income,” said Sabah Handicraft Centre group manager Vivian Evans.
Some RM10mil will be distributed to restore songket weaving centre Tuanku Nur Zahirah Complex in Kuala Terengganu, and woodcarving village Desa Ukiran Kayu in Besut, Terengganu.
Part of that allocation will also be used to promote cultural activities in Sabah and Sarawak, to protect and preserve minority languages, and to create an ethnic and culture centre in Perak.
Cultural agencies will receive RM50mil for efforts in highlighting national artwork and literature, promoting heritage theatre performances, as well as fostering an interest in reading masterpieces among the youth.
The Anugerah Seni Negara (National Arts Awards) will also be reintroduced as an annual event to honour national arts and culture icons.
"We also appreciate the government resuming Anugerah Seni Negara to recognise contributions by arts practitioners, and are encouraged to see the expansion of funding in support of literature and heritage theatre," added the ReformARTsi statement.
