By Zareef Muzammil
SHAH ALAM, July 30 — The existence of the Shah Alam Contemporary and Modern Art Gallery (Sama) is capable of further stimulating art activities in Selangor and contribute to attracting both domestic and foreign tourists.
Shah Alam Art Gallery director Alina Abdullah, speaking as an industry activist, fully supports the gallery's construction to promote more local artworks and artists.
"At present Selangor only has one formal art gallery, with not that many private galleries. So Sama's construction is an addition to the existing gallery which brings together contemporary and modern works.
"We are all supportive of this effort as Selangor is one of the states in Malaysia with the most artists. With additional galleries, it will be more lively and visitors will not only focus on existing galleries," she said when contacted.
On July 27, during the presentation of First Selangor Plan (RS-1) Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari said Sama's development is was among the projects driving change that has been identified under the state's tourism cluster initiative.
He is confident many tourists will visit the art museum and witness the greatness of artists from both the country and Southeast Asia.
Through the 2022 Selangor Budget, Amirudin added the state government has purchased a building complex owned by Bank Negara Malaysia in the middle of downtown Shah Alam for RM33.4 million, which will be used as a gallery to exhibit artworks and will become a centre for cultural activities.
Previously, state executive councillor of culture and heritage Borhan Aman Shah said the gallery is expected to be completed and opened to the public by next year, at the latest.
