THE embattled Penang House of Music (PHOM) has finally found a ray of hope for survival after the Communications Ministry offered to discuss ways to prevent it from closing due to financial troubles amid the withdrawal of institutional support.
Now operating at limited hours at its gallery in Komtar, the operator is frantically trying to stave off a permanent cessation of operations.
PHOM was recently by visited by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil to explore options to salvage the iconic attraction here.
Its founder Paul Augustin expressed appreciation after Fahmi said that he would direct government-linked agency MyCreative Ventures Sdn Bhd to explore the possibility of helping PHOM.
“We are very grateful that YB Fahmi dropped by PHOM for a visit despite his tight schedule,” Augustin said in comments made to The Vibes.
“It was good for us to have an opportunity to give him a tour of the gallery and to also share our passion and work on documenting and preserving Malaysian culture, arts and music heritage.”
“We are glad that his response on the visit was positive and his mention of exploring ways of support through an agency (MyCreative Ventures) under his ministry for us to continue the invaluable work we do was very encouraging,” said Augustin, a musician himself.
MyCreative Ventures chief executive officer Datuk Muhammed Bakthiar Wan Chik said discussions have begun briefly with Augustin over the matter, but stressed that there needs to be a sustainable approach.
It remains to be seen if PHOM can be saved from an outright closure.
There have been many proposals through social media.
These include relocating the establishment to a more tourist-friendly location, improving the façade, and monetising elements such as the studio it runs.
However, despite encouraging public response as well as visits from tourists, the attraction continues to struggle due to lack of sufficient funds.
Augustin is said to be exploring ways to produce a more comprehensive sustainable business proposal after the premise was first opened in 2017 when the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) granted them RM3 million as startup capital.
Within years, PHOM begun to suffer financial setbacks, especially with the protracted Covid-19 lockdown and the landlord demanding high rental payments.
PHOM was barely saved when the state government granted it an annual allocation of RM500,000 from 2020 onwards but it was deemed as inadequate for its operations.
Former state assemblyman Jason Ong Khan Lee said that perhaps live performances can be staged to supplement revenue for PHOM. – The Vibes, March 10, 2024
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