GEORGE TOWN: The Actors Studio and Eastern & Oriental Berhad have mutually agreed to close down the Performing Arts Centre of Penang (penangpac) as it is no longer financially sustainable, partly due to the devastating two years brought upon by the Covid-19 pandemic and its after effects as well as the poor immediate outlook and recovery.
The winding-up process of penangpac will be initiated and the arts centre will cease operations on next Saturday (Jan 15).
The premises will be closed and the space will be returned to E&O Trading on the same day.
According to co-founders of penangpac, Datuk Dr Faridah Merican and Joe Hasham, this was not a decision they took lightly.
"It is indeed heartbreaking that penangpac has to close down but we must face the facts and reality. We would like to extend our gratitude to Eastern & Oriental Berhad for partnering with The Actors Studio to set up penangpac 10 years ago and housing us in Straits Quay where we have enjoyed 10 extraordinary years.
"During this time, we had the privilege of witnessing many performing arts groups and artistes blossom, playing host to many international groups and created what we hope was a warm home for the performing arts community in the north. We have also been on the receiving end of much warmth, care and generosity from our patrons, students, sponsors, partners, staff, ex-staff and interns – for that, we thank you.
"Penangpac as an institution and space may cease to exist come Jan 15 but may the dream and hope to further the arts in Penang and the northern region continue to live on in all of us arts makers. One day, not too far off we hope, The Actors Studio may make a return to Penang," they said.
In this past decade, penangpac housed almost 1,000 performances and events (including 100 international troupes); entertained 250,000 audiences from all walks of life; educated almost 1,500 students from three-years-old to seniors in all facets of arts; brought performing arts to schools and community, reaching over 50 schools, and providing 2,700 students their first exposure to the arts through free introductory workshops.
Despite its many struggles, penangpac's far-reaching impact as a non-profit to nurture the arts is undeniable.
Many have said that Penang before and after penangpac has been entirely different, vouched that it is the place to get their dose of culture and their absolute favourite venue of choice.