KUALA LUMPUR, March 10 — In recognition of the artists and artistic talents, especially those whose studios and galleries are at Central Market, the National Visual Arts Development Board (LPSVN) will develop a special collection of national works of art from 1979 to 1989.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan said that the collection aims to highlight the role of Central Market or the Pasar Seni located in the heart of the city, as a centre for the development of Malaysian culture, art and craft from 2025 to 2028.
“For a start, the LPSVN has acquired six beautiful works of art and masterpieces created by four artists at the Central Market to be included in the national collection,” he said during Question Time at the Dewan Negara sitting today.
He said this in reply to Senator Prof Emeritus Datuk Seri Dr Awang Sariyan, who wanted to know the efforts taken by the government to provide incentives and recognition to artists at the Central Market in the development of arts and culture.
Khairul Firdaus added that the Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry (Motac), through LPSVN, also provides specific financial assistance under the Art Assistance Fund (TBS) through Artist Membership, which includes contributions for individual and group artists.
“This incentive is provided to help local artists carry out their programmes,” he said, adding that as a key entity focusing on protection, preservation, and conservation efforts, Motac, through the National Heritage Department, gazetted Central Market in 2011 under the National Heritage Act 2005.
— Bernama
