Large-scale art expo to attract artists, collectors

EXPLORE the possibilities offered by the convergence of creative industries with business, education and tourism at Beyond Contemporary Art Penang (BCAP).

To be held at The Wembley, A St Giles Hotel from Nov 9 to 12, it is set to be the first large-scale art event of its kind in Malaysia, with four main programmes – the Art Summit, Art Expo, Art Auction and Gala Dinner – alongside various off-site activities.

There will be an exciting array of opportunities for art aficionados, gallery owners, private and corporate collectors, museum curators and potential collaborators from various industries.

Besides local participants, delegates and artists from Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Myanmar, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and the Philippines are expected to attend.

Singapore National Gallery director Ong Zhen Ming will be among the speakers at the summit.(Sept 18, 2023) – Photo provided by Datuk Ch’ng Huck Theng

BCAP founding president Datuk Ch’ng Huck Theng said it would not be a typical sales-oriented art exhibition, but a platform for stakeholders from the four aforementioned industries to establish ecosystems that support and benefit society economically and culturally.

“We’ve observed challenges in today’s art landscape like the difference in visual acceptance and interpretation between traditional art connoisseurs and contemporary art audiences.

“The rise of artificial intelligence and robot artists have also blurred the boundaries between human creators and machines, increasing competition and making artists’ works and personal brands more important than ever before.

“With other factors like globalisation and sustainability, it is imperative for the industry to adapt and evolve,” Ch’ng said.

He said art had always been a key element in the worlds of fashion and luxury brands.

The summit will explore how its application can benefit businesses in the world of tomorrow.

Ch’ng (left) and Wong) going through the posters for the upcoming event.

“Can art be a strategic tool to value-add products and services in non-traditionally affiliated industries?

“Determining the possibilities offered by such collaborations and its capacity for social change will be important topics as art transcends boundaries and can be a powerful tool to promote unity, especially in multiracial societies,” said Ch’ng, who has been an artist and staunch advocate of art for almost 30 years.

Speakers for the summit include Man Shek, deputy manager of Hong Kong’s revolutionary K11 Art Mall and Jason Yeap, patron of Multicultural Arts Victoria from Australia.

From Singapore are ArtScience Museum programmes, exhibitions and services director Adrian George, Qi Pottery founder Kim Whye Kee and the National Art Gallery content publishing director Ong Zhen Ming.

The Malaysian side includes Penang State Art Gallery chairman Lee Khai.

Several hundred artworks will be featured at the expo. These will not only be physically catalogued but also digitally presented by event partners Arteesan.io for global exposure.

The auction will be run by MNP Auctioneers while the gala dinner will see several respected art promoters recognised.

These on-site programmes cover 25,000sq ft across two floors of the hotel.

BCAP, supported by the Penang government, was launched during the term of former state tourism and creative economy committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin.

Wong Hon Wai, who recently assumed the portfolio, is fully behind it and described such events as an economic boon for the state.

It attracts considerable numbers of tourists who then spend on various products and services. Hotels should see higher occupancy rates while local restaurants, retail outlets and businesses enjoy increased sales, revenue and exposure.

“It’s also a platform for local artists and artisans to showcase their work. The educational aspects, such as workshops and lectures, can also generate opportunities for stakeholders and promote knowledge sharing.

“BCAP’s convergence of art, business, education and tourism represents a promising trend for the future.

“It fosters mutually-beneficial synergies such as diversification and cross-promotion which increase potential audience and customer bases, which lead to increased revenues for all involved,” he said.

He said innovation flourishes when industries collaborate, resulting in novel ideas and solutions.

“Furthermore, such convergences also foster community engagement and create a sense of belonging and support from locals.

“As we move forward, this will be key to thriving in an interconnected world,” Wong added.

Ch’ng said, “An art event of this scale has not been held locally before. We want to return Penang to its rightful place as a major South-East Asian art destination.

“Back in the 1950s and 1960s, this was where all the leading regional artists wanted to come and exhibit. While we’ve lost that lustre over time, we have the talent and passionate people to reignite the spark.

“Because our art culture is unique and not something you can find anywhere else in the world.

“Art is more than just beautiful things you look at. It is actually an enabler for positive change.”

Galleries, institutions and organisations that wish to participate can still do so. Participation is open until Sept 30. For details, visit https://beyondcontemporaryartpenang.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/BeyondContemporaryArtPenang. — By JEREMY TAN