LETTERS: Bravo to Kuala Lumpur City Hall on the recently concluded art in the city event, "AMBOI! Lakar Seni Malaysia", held near the city's River of Life project near Masjid Jamek and behind the Sultan Abdul Samad building.
For 10 days, about 30 young and acclaimed artists participated at the groundbreaking event and turned this iconic part of Kuala Lumpur even more vibrant.
Mayor Datuk Seri Mahadi Che Ngah visited twice, not just to enjoy the event, but perhaps to ascertain how the arts can contribute to the tourist traffic in the area.
That the event would be incorporated into the city's calendar of events is most welcome news, not just for the creative community, but also businesses.
When arts and culture interweave in a fabric of a community, they boost tourism and consequently the economy, apart from nurturing talent among budding artists. Everybody in the ecosystem will benefit from the arts.
Look at European cities like Paris, Venice, Vienna and Budapest. They are vibrant with activities that gives character and soul to a city.
Kuala Lumpur too can adopt our own style and content to give us a sense of place, character and identity.
When the mayor stopped by my booth, he noticed that I had few artworks but rather a lot of art books.
I participated in the event more as an art book seller, as well as selling some of my collection of works by local artists.
In line with Kuala Lumpur celebrating its golden jubilee (1972-2022), I asked the mayor about organising a book event at the same locality.
He seemed responsive to the idea as a book event could also stimulate economic growth and promote reading among Malaysians.
With the tourist mall of Central Market, or Pasar Seni, just a shout away from the River of Life project, foot traffic to businesses in the area can be increased, thus, creating more jobs and generating higher tax revenue for the authorities.
From my observation, art appreciation among Malaysians is still low. Therefore, creating a conducive space for art in the River of Life project can inculcate appreciation for art.
Balance is the way forward, as it is not just concerts and light displays that attract crowds.
Together, let's make Kuala Lumpur an artsy and liveable city with a vibrant culture scene beyond its 50th anniversary celebration.
AZHARI MAHMOOD
Petaling Jaya, Selangor
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times