KUALA LUMPUR, June 2 — The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) and Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) will discuss efforts to support local artists in exporting their work abroad.
Miti leader Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz said this collaboration could be done through the Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation and National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage.
“The concept of exporting art abroad has long existed, and we need to focus on how art can impact trade and export. We can export works from our local talents not only for financial benefits but also to introduce Malaysian culture to the world,” he told reporters after officiating contemporary art exhibition Artconomics, a collaborative project between Universiti Malaya’s Economics Society and the University of Malaya Art Gallery.
“With proper support, we can help our artists expand to the international level to help the national economy.”
Tengku Zafrul said art is not only about culture, which is difficult to measure, but also how the industry can help drive the economy.
“For example, we can see other countries such as South Korea, where the arts industry has grown from its K-pop and its food and beverage, and we must understand how the economy supports the arts industry,” he said.
“I have long been in the art field and seen many talented Malaysian artists break into the international market. It is important for us to support local artists and bring them to the international stage via efforts of various ministries and agencies,” he added.
— Bernama
