Govt urged to increase fund for creative industry in Budget 2023

Also, govt help wanted to support lesser-known creative players and behind-the-scene workers, as well as greater push for contemporary art

by HAZATUL SYIMA HARON / pic MUHD AMIN NAHARUL

AFTER two years of inactivity, the creative industry got a shot in the arm last year when a total of RM288 million was allocated for the industry under Budget 2022.

Government agencies such as the National Film Development Corp Malaysia, Cultural Economy Development Agency (Cendana) and MyCreative Ventures were tasked to further invigorate existing initiatives such as the digital content grant, multimedia digital content and film incentives.

According to a study conducted by Cendana in mid-2021, more than 90% of the arts and culture practitioners were negatively impacted, 77% having lost most or all of their income, 75% of the jobs dried up in the market and 8% of arts venues closed permanently.

Under the upcoming Budget 2023, industry players are hoping for the incentives to be maintained or strengthened to help arts and culture practitioners continue to improve their livelihoods.

One of the funding under Budget 2022 was the RM50 million Tourism, Arts and Culture Matching Grant.

Menara Network’s Aman says the budget for the matching grant can be increased
as events such as live concerts at stadiums would have multiplier effects beyond
the concert itself

Menara Network Sdn Bhd COO Aman Ali said this was a boon to the industry, especially event organisers and venues, as it helps support the recovery of the players.

Menara Network is the organiser of the upcoming “Rock On 40: The Legends” concert.

He said the effects can be seen by the mushrooming of events this year, featuring both local and internationals artistes such as Aishah, Anuar Zain, Ziana Zain, Billie Eilish, Rain, Justin Bieber, LANY, Dewa 19 and more.

A few popular venues such as Istana Budaya and Zepp Kuala Lumpur are also said to be fully booked for the rest of this year and into the new year.

Aman said he would like to see the matching grant extended as the cut-off period under Budget 2022 is Oct 31, 2022.

“You can see there have been a lots of shows and events this year and November and December are usually even busier. However, if the grant is not extended, the year-end shows won’t be covered by the grant.

“I’m hoping that they will extend the matching grant for another year. In fact, the budget for the grant can be increased as events such as live concerts at stadiums would have multiplier effects beyond the concert itself.”

The former head of talent at Maestro Talent and Management Sdn Bhd wants the government to think of a way to help support lesser-known or up and coming artistes and art practitioners such as textile weavers.

He said popular artistes with millions of fans don’t need much help as promoters and concert organisers will pick them to ensure brisk ticket sales.

“It’s the lesser-known creative players and behind-the-scene workers such as cameramen and script-writers that are lacking access or channels to earn a living that need government help.”

Aman said the government should also find ways to support social media influencers that help promote the local arts and culture industry. A programme for millennials, the next generation of artistes would be most welcomed.

Zhan Art | Space co-founder Desmond Tong would definitely love to see more of a push for contemporary art by the government and its related agencies.

The government and to some extent, the industry, the art gallery owner said, has been pushing the more traditional art setting, ie preserving heritage and boosting cultural traditions.

“(We) need to modernise and push art forward. Perhaps a more contemporary younger art scene, graffiti/collaborations/cross-industry arts.”

The future for the creative industry certainly seems bright going into 2023, with many shows planned.

Menara Network’s Aman said 2022 is the year that the industry started to breathe again, while 2023 would be when it steps up towards full recovery. While it would be nice to achieve pre-pandemic level of activities next year, he would be happy to be able to reach 80%.

Menara Network, the company is planning to extend its “Rock On 40: The Legends” concert on Dec 2-3 for another night. Due to encouraging response, it’s planning to hold “Rock On 40: Search” on Sunday, Dec 4.

“Currently, we’re doing a lot of planning for next year. We’re aiming to bring the ‘Rock on 40’ concert tour to Penang, Johor Baru, Langkawi, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu, among others.”