The Performing Arts Ecosystem in Malaysia: Insights and Conversations from Creative Leaders

In the vibrant cultural landscape of Malaysia, the debate on government support for the arts has amplified the voices of performing arts professionals and gained significant momentum. On July 14, 2024, at The Grey Box GMBB, a forum was held to explore this pivotal issue. Organised by InSitu Arts Management Consultancy and co-organised by Five Arts Centre, the event was moderated by June Tan from Five Arts Centre. The panel included William Yap (WY) from W Productions, actor and writer Arjun Thanaraju (AT), Jo Kukathas (JK) from The Instant Cafe Theatre Company, and Syafiq Syazim (SS) from Patblas Creative. These creative luminaries shared their diverse perspectives on the role of government in fostering the arts, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities faced by the creative community in Malaysia.

Q 1: Do You Think It’s the Government’s Role to Support Arts?

JK: "Absolutely, the government has a role to play in supporting the arts. While we've been resilient as a creative community, government support can truly elevate the arts scene. It's about creating an environment where the arts can thrive, enriching our culture, and giving artists the tools to inspire on a larger scale."

SS: "I believe the government needs to step in, especially to help people in rural areas understand and appreciate art better. In cities, we see the arts being utilized in many ways, but rural communities often view it just as entertainment. Government support should extend beyond funding to include education and cultural promotion so that everyone can enjoy and respect the arts."

WY: "There's a misconception that entertainment doesn't have educational or cultural value, and I think it's time for the government to get more involved. It's not just about financial support; it's about strategic planning for cultural programs, educating the public, and aligning their support with what the creative community needs. Movements like Reformasi are instrumental in voicing public concerns and supporting the Malaysian performing arts. They serve as vital allies in advocating for the arts and ensuring that government support aligns with the aspirations of the creative community. We need such movements to champion the cause of the arts and to push for a cultural ecosystem where the arts are truly valued and supported. We need a cultural ecosystem where the arts are valued, and that includes supporting education, access, and promotion."

AT: "The relationship between the government and the arts is complex, and there's frustration within the arts community. The school system undervalues the arts, and despite existing support systems, there's a serious lack of knowledge and empathy. We need government organizations to be more people-focused, and the arts community should be more involved in advocating for a positive government response to the arts."

Q 2: You are all given RM 1,000,000 which is $250,000 each year to manage your company, what do you think will be your challenge?

JK: "Operating in a competitive environment is tough. It's about capturing attention, finding the right talent, and making a lasting impact on the arts community. Strategic marketing, talent management, and support for arts education are crucial. We need creativity and strong leadership to make a difference."

WY: "It's about strategic budgeting for salaries, production costs, marketing, and research for future projects. We need to create high-quality productions without relying solely on government assistance. Diversifying revenue streams and developing a sustainable business plan are key."

SS: "Managing ongoing projects and planning for the future is challenging. It's about balancing immediate needs with long-term development. We need long-term planning and operations that can sustain the industry, addressing issues like actor compensation and seeking government support for the arts."

AT: "The biggest challenge is inadequate funding for creative projects and talent. A budget like this could be invested in experience and growth, but we need strategic investment in arts infrastructure and government backing. It's about fostering conversations and projects that move the arts forward, especially in challenging environments."

Q 3: How do you keep going outstream? Why do you keep going?

AT: "Despite personal threats and lawsuits, I remain committed to  representation of different experiences in Malaysia, including representation of someone like me, and the healing power of art. My work is a reflection of my experiences, and I believe in the power of art to bring people together. It takes resilience and determination to keep going, but the impact of art on society keeps me motivated."

SS: "I'm driven by a deep personal quest and the desire to express myself creatively. Despite my family's initial lack of support for my artistic pursuits, I'm propelled by my unique perspective to challenge norms and find fulfilment in my artistic endeavours. My journey is about carving out my place in the world through art."

WY: "My dedication to the arts comes from my love for creativity and my vision to make the arts community more inclusive. Through initiatives like CloudJoi, we aim to revolutionize the industry by engaging a broader audience and supporting artists. I'm committed to bridging gaps, aiding artists, and fostering participation to ensure the continued vibrancy and growth of the arts in Malaysia."

JK: "Perseverance in the arts is about finding your voice and overcoming doubt. My experiences, including my time in Melbourne, have shown me the resilience of artists who continue to create and share their work despite financial constraints. The indomitable spirit of artists and the impact of art on society keep me going."