Best known for producing amazing local and international plays in the past 12 years, Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac) now risks being forced to close down due to shrinking corporate funding.
Apparently, the arts scene in Malaysia has become a casualty due to uncertainties in the corporate environment. The centre said that corporate funding was running dry as many corporations did not see “arts” as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
KLPac initially had 12 sponsors for a three-year term, but the number dropped to three in 2011 ― leaving only Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd, JT International Bhd and The Actors Studio Seni Teater Rakyat.
The centre’s annual revenue from ticket sales is RM3.46 million, while the amount required for its upkeep is at least RM4.18 million. The rest of the funding comes from sponsorships.
However, organisations were not motivated to give away such sponsorships mainly because government approval must be obtained. Organisations reportedly need an endorsement letter from the local council.
“If it [the government] cared, it would have allocated some funds in Budget 2018. If I’m not mistaken this is the third time there has been no allocation for arts and culture. So it shows that we are not important,” said KLPac founder Faridah Merican.
So unfortunate.. let’s hope this won’t be the end of KLPac! Here’s how you can help:
[Source]
