The state government welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Ipoh City Council (MBI) and Luncai Emas Publishing Sdn Bhd last Tuesday (April 6) in order to realise Ipoh as an arts city.
Executive Councillor for Housing, Local Government and Tourism, Dato’ Nolee Ashilin Mohamed Radzi explained that the MOU is in line with the state government’s effort to attract more tourists via the field of arts.
“Any effort to spice up tourism products can be an asset to the state government; this is in line with our planning through MBI in making Ipoh an arts hub.
“The state government also supports the reopening of the Perak Innovation and Creative Resource Centre (PINCER) in Meru Raya to boost the creative industry in Ipoh.
“PINCER is the only centre offering technological resources and expertise such as studios, industrial designs, teaching facilities, mini theatres, classrooms and galleries,” she told reporters after the pre-launch ceremony of the D’Nusa Kayangan Chemor today (April 10).
Nolee also stated that the state government will construct an open-air theatre at the D.R. Seenivasagam Recreational Park in order to strengthen arts activities in Ipoh.
“We also obtained the cooperation of the National Visual Board to create a Perak branch National Art Gallery, behind the old post office.
“Various allocations have been channeled for the cause such as to upgrade the Town Hall into a theatre similar to Istana Budaya (National Theatre). The initiative is carried out to encourage local artists to create besides being able to provide job opportunities and generate the economy for all,” she said.
Rosli Mansor
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