SEBERANG JAYA – Murals that used to attract many tourists into the city, with pictures making their mark on international shores, are now a sorry sight to passers-by.
One of the worst affected is the Butterworth Art Walk that started in 2016. What was a vibrant display is now depressing as the artwork is fading with paint beginning to peel.
Residents are unhappy that these projects, once revered, are now left to rot without any maintenance.
Think City managing director Hamdan Abdul Majeed told The Vibes that once the restrictions are lifted with the completion of vaccinations, there will be an opportunity for the community and stakeholders to come together to refresh or renew the artworks – possibly with additional art to reflect our current or most recent experiences.
“The Butterworth Art Walk was a pilot project developed in partnership with the Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MBSP). It is intended to spark a rejuvenation in public spaces and to invite the community to take interest and ownership of the common spaces within their city.
“Part of the aim was to identify and improve underutilised spaces in Butterworth and to use art, sculpture and greening (among other improvements) to narrate the history and evolution of the city in a fun and interesting way.
“With any pilot project, the strategy was to bring concepts to life, so that communities within the city can see the possibilities of how space renewal projects can generate interest, promote tourism and create opportunities for businesses in the area.
“Subsequently, the hope was that they would put into action their ideas for the renewal of their neighbourhoods,” he said.
Ultimately, after the handover of Butterworth Art Walk to MBSP in the last quarter of 2019, Think City believes that the burden of duty would be under their jurisdiction. However, Hamdan said that communities in cities have an equal opportunity to co-create the neighbourhoods, districts and cities that they live in.
“Another variable to this situation is the pandemic, and movement restrictions which have left many cities vulnerable, not just Butterworth.
“Again, this is a strong case that cities need a strong community presence and ownership.”
He highlighted that energy is now preserved to fight Covid-19. Immediate government priorities lie in the health and recovery of the country.
“While murals have lent character and interest to cities such as Butterworth and George Town, there are many other aspects that make these cities great and can make them even more liveable.
“Elements such as the built and cultural heritage, cultural diversity, inclusivity, safety and resilience are but some of the aspects that need to be present across all sectors, across the entire city.
“Cities all around the world, including our own, are battling many threats to liveability and resilience. They include economic recovery and health issues related to the pandemic, effects of climate change and overcrowding in urban areas.
“As with any project, it is essential that we collectively approach this from a community-first perspective and to address what will make a city a liveable, resilient and sustainable place to build our lives,” he said. – The Vibes, August 20, 2021
