KUALA LUMPUR: The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry will discuss with the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry efforts to support local artists in exporting their works abroad.
Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz said this collaboration could be facilitated through the Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) and the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (Aswara).
"The concept of exporting art abroad has long existed, and we here need to focus more on how art can impact trade and export. We can export the works of our local talents abroad not only for financial benefits but also to introduce Malaysian culture to the world," he told reporters after officiating the contemporary art exhibition Artconomics, a collaborative project between the University of Malaya Economics Society and the University of Malaya Art Gallery on Friday (June 2).
"With proper support, we can help our artists expand their industry to the international level, which will benefit the national economy."
According to Tengku Zafrul, art is not only about culture, which is often difficult to measure, but also about how the arts industry can drive the economy.
"For example, we can see other countries such as South Korea, where the arts industry has grown from K-pop to food and beverages. We must understand how the economy supports the arts industry," he said.
"I have long been in the art field and seen many talented Malaysian artists break into the international market. It is important for us to support local artists and bring them to the international stage, and the government helps in these efforts through various ministries and agencies," he added. – Bernama
