'Open: A Weekend in Penang' festival will proceed despite MCO

GEORGE TOWN - Even if the Penang’s state borders remained closed, the festival “Open: A Weekend in Penang” will still continue albeit virtually.
 
Penang Arts Council (PAC) newly appointed chairman Joe Sidek said the festival should not be delayed any longer as the Covid-19 cases are unpredictable surging and plunging as weeks go by.
 
“When we first planned the festival, it was supposed to encourage people to experience a weekend in Penang as it has a lot to offer for people who live in other states.
 
However, we kept postponing it because of the pandemic’s uncertainty. We decided not to take the risk when it affects people and the public. Last month, we decided that we will help the organisers to continue with the festival but online.”
 
When asked if it will be an online ticketed event, Joe said that its brand loyalty has to be built before it can be a paid online event.
 
“Because of Covid-19, everybody went online, everything went virtual, everything was so exciting. 
 
However, having to do it and sustaining it are two different things. There are not many success stories on monetising for sustainability when going digital. 
 
Who are we compared to the New York Metropolitan Opera which is doing it for free?
 
“That said, I also believe Penang is very different. It has very strong brand loyalty. Penangites love Penang, and so I want to see that brand loyalty being built.”
 
The Former George Town Festival (GTF) director said that it is important, now more than ever to work with different communities and unite the arts for Penang.
 
“We (different sects of the arts industry) may not gel with each other, but we are all pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.
 
When we come together, we make a better picture. From markets to events and exhibitions, the arts have to work collectively.”
 
The Penang State Government plans to pump in RM30,000 to support this event. 
 
In November 2020, Penang State exco for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE) Yeoh Soon Hin said that Penang was ready to open up. 
 
This led to many meetings between Joe and Yeoh, along with local art groups and individuals.
  
The original proposal of the programme outline was laid out in September 2020. It was supposed to feature comedy workshops and shows, classical busking, creative markets, guided walks and more.
 
Joe said the planning is still in session and more information about Open Online will be finalised at the end of this month.
 
“It is a new way of appreciating the arts and bringing new energy to it.
 
“I’ve been getting a lot of support from several Penang artists which I have approached.
 
 They are people, not organisations that are looking for the dollar. They are people who are just really interested in pushing Penang to better heights.
 
“This is something I want to share with everyone else. It’s not about me or my company but working collectively.” - The Vibes, February 12, 2021