The upcoming Sarawak Performing Arts Centre (Sarawak PAC) is a new approach for Sarawak to diversify its economy through the creative industry, states the Premier of Sarawak YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg.
The centre, upon its completion in 2027, will also serve as a platform for international artists to perform in a world-class, state-of-the-art venue, as well as for current and aspiring local talents to hone and showcase their artistic abilities.
With references from renowned performing arts centres in the United Kingdom, United States, Latin America and Southeast Asia, the Premier believes that Sarawak PAC is a worthy investment in boosting the development of the State’s creative industry and subsequently overall economy.
“It is time for Sarawak to play a similar role (in contributing to the performing arts globally) because we are basically rich in culture.
“We must have a space to present our culture at a higher level, and to enable knowledge exchange between our Sarawakian arts practitioners and their counterparts beyond the State.
“This in turn becomes an integrated approach in terms of talent development in the performing arts,” he elaborates.
These were part of his remarks during the launching and handover ceremony of the Performing Arts Centre Project Site and the Old Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Building in Kuching on 2 May 2024.
A high priority project that has been approved for implementation in the 12th Malaysia Plan under the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, it aims to drive the growth and development of Sarawak’s performing arts industry by establishing a dedicated, international-class arena for the organisation of performing arts activities in the State.
The project will involve renovation, upgrading and interior design works to transform the Old DUN Building into a performing arts centre equipped with facilities including a theatre hall, a theatre studio, a multi-purpose hall and a black box theatre.
It will also engage with diverse experts to ensure that the venue is outfitted with cutting-edge audio, visualisation, acoustics, lighting and staging systems.
Furthermore, the Lapau building situated next to the Old DUN Building will be renovated and upgraded as a banquet hall for the public to visit before attending any performances.
When completed, Sarawak PAC will be handed over to the Sarawak Arts Council to promote and uplift the arts in Sarawak through various development programmes and activities, focusing primarily on performing arts, visual arts, literature and virtual arts.
“It is hoped that the implementation of this project will go smoothly so that Sarawakian art practitioners will be able to take advantage of the facilities provided.
“This performing arts centre is also expected to be a new landmark for Sarawak, especially in the arts, and can directly propel the progress of the arts, culture and creative industries in the State,” said the Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah in his welcoming remarks.
What is a Performing Arts Centre?
A performing arts centre, usually abbreviated as PAC, is essentially designed as a space for a variety of performing arts, such as theatre, dance and music.
Throughout history, it has evolved to become an avenue that facilitate opportunities for, enabling participation in, and providing support for a community’s art and cultural endeavour.
As a cultural institution, it also plays a vital role in safeguarding traditional forms of performing arts, whether through audience development or public awareness.
In his remarks during the launching and handover ceremony of the Performing Arts Centre Project Site and the Old DUN Building, the Premier of Sarawak cited the Royal Albert Hall in London, England as an example of a PAC.
Other renowned venues include the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., United States, the Sydney Opera House in Australia, the Esplanade in Singapore, and the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre in Malaysia.
Reference:
UNESCO. (n.d.). Performing arts (such as traditional music, dance and theatre). UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. https://ich.unesco.org/en/performing-arts-00054
Unit Komunikasi Awam Sarawak. (2024, May 3). 2 MEI 2024 (LIVE) MAJLIS PELANCARAN & PENYERAHAN TAPAK PROJEK PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE, DUN KCH LAMA [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-wNdaEma5s
Wolff, S. A. (2011, October 20). The evolution of the performing arts center. AMS Planning & Research Corp. https://web.archive.org/web/20140114201139/http://www.ams-online.com/trends/evolution.php
