Inspiring sculptors to create art that makes a splash

IJMPD business development executive Ellys Yam (right) explaining the Penang Urban Sculptures contest during the launch at Penang City Park in George Town. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star

A CONTEST called Penang Urban Sculpture will be held for young talents to promote Penang as an art hub.

Themed “Where light meets water”, the project hopes to give tourism a boost while cultivating the creativity of young sculptors and increasing the appreciation of urban art.

Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said the Penang Urban Sculptures programme would enhance the state’s visibility internationally as an art capital.

“In accordance with the Penang Tourism Master Plan, it is my vision to raise the profile of our art in the South-East Asian region, towards shaping Penang into a well-known creative hub.

“I believe this programme will create an opportunity for all sculptors to expand their creative horizons.

“This also serves as a platform for them to showcase their creations, while shaping the distinctive identity of Penang and attracting more tourists to our state.

“This programme raises awareness and enriches the art scene in Penang as well, given that its concept aims to educate people on the importance of art and water,” Yeoh said during the contest’s launch at Penang City Park.

IJM Perennial Development (IJMPD) general manager Tan Hun Beng said the past and present were fused together through the programme.

“We attract young talents to inspire their creativity and at the same time, feel the thrill from witnessing the construction of their designs.

“As their artworks finally become tangible products displayed for public view, the moment of pride and excitement will be immeasurable.

“As a continued effort to promote the arts and tourism scene in Penang, we hope to motivate young artists in the region so that one day, Penang will become an island of arts and inspiration,” he said.

The contest is open to Malaysian students in university or college, aged 18 years and above.

Each participant is allowed to submit one entry in digital format, which can be presented from three angles.

On offer are cash prizes up to RM20,000.

The winner will receive RM10,000 and have the honour of having their design placed at a prominent location in Penang.

Once IJMPD’s The Light City project next to the Penang Bridge is completed, the sculpture will be relocated to The Waterfront Shoppes, a 1.5 million sq ft retail mall within the seafront project.

Participants can register by submitting their proposals online at thelightcity.com.my/penang- urban-sculpture-programme-registration

Closing date is July 31 and the results will be announced in October.

The Penang Urban Sculptures Programme is a collaborative project between IJMPD and several governing bodies.

They are Penang tourism and creative economy exco office, Penang Island City Council, Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) and Tourism Malaysia.

Also present at the launch were IJMPD director Datuk Toh Chin Leong, Penang Motac director Jonathan Freddy P. Bagang and Tourism Malaysia northern region deputy director Siti Mohd Yunus.