GEORGE TOWN – Arts and tourism are now coming to the Sepoy Lines stretch of Penang for the first time. This was made possible through the decision of the state to renovate one of the sprawling bungalows to serve as the second state art gallery.
The upcoming facility, which will be ready by next year, is scheduled to complement the main gallery situated at the Dewan Sri Pinang on the Esplanade here.
Sepoy Lines was one of the quarters used by the royal infantries of India in the past. They were posted to Penang during the British colonial period.
The area was mostly neglected until part of the area was bought over by private hands and became the Penang Sports Club. Recently, the Penang Football Association had also moved into one of the quarters there.
Today, state exco member Yeoh Soon Hin declared that quarters number six will be taken over by the state art gallery authorities. It is to be converted into another showcase for arts and designs.
Yeoh oversees the portfolios of culture, arts, tourism, and creative economy.
"Penang is renowned as a complete destination, strong in the fields of culture, arts and heritage. Hence we are going all out to diversify our range of attractions for tourists."
With the establishment of the new gallery, Sepoy Lines, which is usually frequented by residents, would become another hub to host tourists and artists. It would also provide a dedicated working area for the officers attached to the state arts authorities, added Yeoh.
The gallery will host 1,800 designs and artworks, dating back to the 1800s.
It will also showcase exhibitions and conferences to capture the latest in the world of culture, arts and heritage in Penang.
The cost to renovate the bungalows, which have been largely left abandoned for decades, is said to be around RM1 million.
Gallery chairman Lee Khai said that the new location will become another attraction for the arts scene. The ultimate aim is the realisation of the Penang Arts District, which will act as an umbrella body to incorporate all aspects of the arts world. – The Vibes, June 11, 2022
