Art lovers hope for continuous funding

Disbursement of allocations, continuous funding to execute new creative projects and incentives to nurture new talents.

Those are just some of the items on the wish list of Malaysia's performing arts community in ahead of the 2013 Budget that will be tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak tomorrow.

A substantial amount of money was allocated during Budget 2012 for the performing arts industry. This year, producers, directors and performers are hoping for continuous support for the growth and execution of more creative ideas, performances and events.

This will also help nurture current and emerging talents, who have much to contribute in this field.

Below are the complete wish list from the performing arts movers and shakers:

Datuk Faridah Merican, Executive Producer, Director & Founder of Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac):

"There are really far too many wishes one can come up with, of course if I wear my artistic hat, I'd be wishing for proper funding for the arts scene - and the word proper must not be left out. At the moment we are not aware of how the funds is being disbursed.

We are frequently told there is no more money, even though we keep hearing of money for the arts scene presented during our yearly budgets."

Datin Seri Tiara Jacquelina, Group President of Enfiniti Vision Media:

"This industry needs a well thought 5 to 15 year plan, beginning with training of existing talents, training the creative talents of tomorrow, as well as support for exciting new ideas.

The development of our creative eco-system needs to be an ongoing and continuous process. We don't need to reinvent the wheel here, we just need to replicate successful models from other countries.

There needs to be sufficient funding set aside for the development of artistic endeavours, so artists and creative entities can do what they do best which is to create."

Low Ngai Yuen, Head of Kakiseni:

"As part of Budget 2012, the government made some RM200million available via MyCreative Venture Sdn. Bhd, which we are looking forward to.

This is great news and we hope that this is not a flash in the pan but a continuous effort to drive creative outputs from the country. We need a minimum of 5 years of allocations to arrive at a clear milestone so it is hoped that the leadership of the country view the creative sector as a serious contributor to the economy.

So for the 2013 budget, I am looking forward to continuous support for the programs that we have initiated this year and a substantial amount to raise the profile of the country as a creative hub."

Suhaili Micheline Ahmad Kamil, Choreographer, Dancer & Lecturer:

“Like many others struggling in the performing arts sector, especially coming from me as a dance artist, I believe that there should be a 'foundation for emerging performers' to apply for further education.

Though there has been a system, but none actually sustained throughout a period of time. Therefore the younger generation are lost to find or locate possibilities for funding.

I hope the Prime Minister knows that there are many amazing talented young artists in Malaysia, bursting with great creativity! Many are getting out of the country to seek better opportunities elsewhere.

So I believe that a stable and amazing platform is very crucial in our industry for Performing artists to explore."

Chedd Eddie Yusoff, Stage Actor & Director:

"The arts and entertainment industry should be looked upon with higher regards earlier in the education system as arts and entertainment can enhance our daily skills in dealing with daily life.

Make our nation more animated and more extrovert rather than being an introvert."