Announcement
70+ Projects, 40+ Venues, 12+ Countries, and Countless Local Talents: George Town Festival 2024 Reveals the Programme Line-Up
Published on 20/05/2024
The George Town Festival (GTF) returns in 2024, bringing an exciting array of events to Penang from July 19th to July 28th. This annual celebration, now organised by Kerson Media Global Sdn Bhd, promises to be a vibrant showcase of arts, culture, heritage, and community. With the theme "Here & Now," GTF 2024 will feature over 70 programmes including performing arts, visual arts, film, workshops, and family-friendly activities.
Festival Highlights
Transforming George Town: GTF 2024 will turn George Town's historical sites into temporary galleries, performance venues, and art playgrounds. The festival will highlight the city's architectural charm by staging intimate site-specific performances and public art, making art accessible in unconventional spaces such as alleyways, restaurants, and parks.
Collaborative Programs: This year, the festival will enhance collaborations with artists across Asia, fostering deeper intercultural ties through partnerships with organisations like MyDance Alliance, CloudJoi, and the Asian Producers’ Platform.
Visual Arts: Festival-goers can explore a variety of visual art forms, including painting, sketching, video art, and technological art. Notable installations include Isaac Cordal’s miniature people, supported by the Embassy of Spain in Malaysia, and Kaito Sakuma’s liquid mirror installation, supported by the Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur.
Performing Arts: Among the featured shows are contemporary Jingju, theatre, dance theatre, visual theatre, and mime, offering a rich tapestry of performances that transcend language barriers.
Community Engagement: GTF 2024 emphasises community engagement with initiatives like the Artist-in-Residence programme, which will have artists creating works inspired by their interactions with the local community. The festival will also present "Pengalaman Prangin," a speculative performance exploring George Town’s cultural and historical narratives.
Women’s Film Screening: Under the theme "A Woman’s Body," this segment will feature international and Malaysian films by female filmmakers, accompanied by panel discussions and Q&A sessions to foster societal conversations and promote understanding of women's issues.
Cultivating Local Works: One of the key missions of GTF 2024 is to cultivate Malaysia's arts and culture by supporting the creation of local works and stimulating fresh ideas. Programs such as "Yam Seng Lah!," "Journal of Her House," and the "Young Arts Programme" are specifically curated to nurture emerging artists and their creativity.
Tickets for GTF 2024’s events are now available, with various offers such as early bird promotions, group bundles, and special rates for disabled attendees and their companions. For the latest updates, visit www.georgetownfestival.com or CloudJoi.com.
Featured Shows
● Double Bill of Jingju Magic by world-renowned GuoGuang Opera Company (Taiwan), supported by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia.
● Waktu Batu. Rumah yang Terbakar by prominent Southeast Asian theatre company Teater Garasi (Indonesia), supported by the Directorate General of Culture, Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of Republic of Indonesia.
● Alle Armi by Hombre Collettivo (Italy), a groundbreaking performance using toys to highlight the pressing issue of the international arms market.
● House of Mask & Mime (Thailand), a humorous and heartwarming performance suitable for audiences of all ages.
● Switchblade Op: A World in the City (Malaysia), which marks the return of Penang-born choreographer Loke Soh Kim for the 30th anniversary of her award-winning dance performance.
Further Reading
● Here and Now: Rediscovering George Town's Artistic Roots - An interview with Ling Tang regarding her new vision for GTF 2024.
