Calling on all art enthusiasts! The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC, usually stylized as klpac) is at risk of closing down due to the lack of funding. According to a report by The Malaysian Reserve, the centre is struggling to obtain sufficient expenses to maintain the place, most likely due to the fact that people are thriftier nowadays because of the increased cost of living.

The lack of funding would possibly drive the centre to shut down, said klpac group general manager, with the hub’s marketing communications head Ang Yue May adding, “Very few corporations are willing to fund operational costs or back productions as many companies do not have ‘arts’ as part of their corporate social responsibility pillar.”

“It is also difficult for us to provide actual return of investment (ROI) as the arts is largely intangible – yes we enrich and change lives, impact soft skills, bring people from all races together in our creative endeavours and we can tell success stories, but to monetise the impact of the arts remains to be a challenge,” she added. The centre has a list of upgrades and fixing that needs to be done but they currently are able to only replace some studio flooring that has come apart.

The report also highlighted that klpac’s annual revenue for ticket sales was RM3.46 million; however, the amount needed to sustain the hub is RM4.18 million. There are additional funds from sponsors, but many other expenses do come up, such as rent, insurance, electricians, play royalties and utilities, sets, and costumes for the performances.

Lack of corporate backing

Prime Minister Najib Razak announced recently in Budget 2018 an increase in tax deduction from RM500,000 to RM700,000 in a bid to encourage sponsorship in the private sector for local and foreign arts, culture and heritage, and shows and performances; however, this doesn’t yet seem to be motivating companies and organisations to pitch in.

This is because organisations would need to obtain governmental permission beforehand, according to The Malaysian Reserve, which includes an endorsement letter from the local council. In addition to that, the tax benefits are only applicable to organisations, further deterring individual art lovers from donating.

What can we do?

It’s simple, really. Support the performing arts by attending their performances! The lists of shows are already up on the klpac website, consisting of musical, theatre, comedy shows, and exhibitions. Feel free to browse through and find one that tickles your fancy.

Children can lend support, too! Since it is the school holidays, klpac is offering holiday programmes for children from 7 to 17 years old. Their programmes run from 27 Nov to 15 Dec and are all open for registration. Some of the programmes available are the Speech and Drama Holiday Bootcamp, Intensive Creative Arts Programme, Hip Hop Dance (Beginners’ Level), as well as other cooking and craft workshops, all of which can be viewed here.

Alternatively, you wish to make an individual donation, head on over to their website and make an online donation.

Below are the details for cash or cheque donations. Be sure to send a copy of the deposit slip(s) to the Senior Accounts Executive, Thurkadevi, at [email protected] and indicate “Patron of the Arts” on the slip(s).

Account name: The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre
Bank: CIMB
Account No: 1419-0050725-05-9
Address: The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts (klpac), Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan, 51100, KL.

For further information on donations, check out their website.