Karyawan wants more support for arts

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Artistes’ Association (Karyawan) hopes the new Government will give more support to the development of the arts in the country.

Karyawan president Datuk Freddie Fernandez said the convergence of the Culture Ministry with the Tourism Ministry by the previous administration led to resources largely being dedicated to tourism promotion with little for the arts sector.

“Karyawan would like to suggest that the new Government consider combining the Culture Ministry with Communications as was the case during the time of minister Tan Sri Rais Yatim from 2009 until 2013,” Fernandez said yesterday.

“This combination was ideal, as it saw arts development being well coordinated with full media support, resulting in well placed and effective policies such as the Creative Industry Development Policy.

“This, in turn, led to over RM200mil in funding being granted to the industry, subsequently creating millions of ringgit worth of jobs and turnover for the industry,” he said.

Fernandez said developments after the 2013 elections affected the music industry, though the film industry was slightly better off because of the National Film Development Corp Malaysia (Finas).

He urged for a body similar to Finas be created for the music industry to spur growth.

— Bernama All smiles: A file photo of Fernandez (third, right) with Persatuan Seniman Malaysia president Zed Zaidi (fourth, left) in a group shot with artistes at the launch of Program Hiburan KLCATS at Menara DBKL.