Artwork exports to the tune of RM1.6m

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s artwork exports have increased over the years and contributed greatly to the development of the art industry.

International Trade and Industry Minister II Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan said last year, the value of exports was RM1.6 million to Hong Kong, United Kingdom, the United States, Australia and Bangladesh.

“This year, we hope to capitalise on the growing demand from Spain, Japan and Denmark,” he said at the opening of Art Expo Malaysia (AEM) Plus at the Matrade Exhibition and Convention Centre here yesterday.

Ong said the ministry, through its agency, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation, (Matrade) had supported Malaysian art through its worldwide network and would continue to do so.

He said next month, a Malaysia Art Showcase would be held by Matrade in Shanghai, China, to display 40 artworks from 15 established and emerging artists.

Ong urged artists to explore the overseas markets to create a niche that will differentiate them from their competitors and command a competitive edge to sustain the business.

The 10th edition of AEM, which is the longest-running art fair in Southeast Asia, began yesterday and ends on Sunday.

It is open to the public free of charge,

AEM director Sim Pojinn said he hoped the expo would achieve greater sales, compared with last year’s RM16.9 million sales.

The expo is expected to attract more than 24,000 visitors.

The AEM features 60 established and reputable art galleries from 30 countries exhibiting 2,000 art works (including paintings, sculptures, installation and photography) under one roof.

The event features many reputable exhibitors and new players in the local arts scene.

Local exhibitors include the National Visual Arts Gallery, Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery, New Straits Times Press (M) Berhad Galeri Prima, Nadine Fine Art, Taksu, Tiny Rose Gallery, and Yahong Art Gallery.

AEM is under the royal patronage of Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail and Raja Puan Muda of Perlis Tuanku Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil. International Trade and Industry Minister II Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan (left) visiting Galeri Prima at the Art Expo Malaysia Plus 2016 at the Matrade Exhibition and Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. With him is Art Expo Malaysia director, Datuk Vincent Sim (right). Pic by Abdullah Yusof