Wednesday, September 22, 2010

The Penang City Stadium













Project Proposal for MCAT (Malaysia Cotemporary Art Tourism)
presented by Shamsul Bahari

Graffiti (singular: graffito; the plural is used as a
mass noun) is the name for images or lettering scratched, scrawled, painted or marked in any manner on property. Graffiti is any type of public markings that may appear in the forms of simple written words to elaborate wall paintings. Graffiti has existed since ancient times, with examples dating back to Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire.[1] In modern times, spray paint, normal paint and markers have become the most commonly used materials. In most countries, defacing property with graffiti without the property owner's consent is considered vandalism, which is punishable by law. Sometimes graffiti is employed to communicate social and political messages. To some, it is an art form worthy of display in galleries and exhibitions; to others it is merely vandalism. Graffiti has since evolved into a pop culture existence often related to underground hip hop music and b-boying creating a lifestyle that remains hidden from the general public.[2] Graffiti can be used as a gang signal to mark territory or to serve as an indicator or "tag" for gang-related activity. The controversies that surround graffiti continue to create disagreement amongst city officials/law enforcement and graffitists looking to display their work in public locations. There are many different types and styles of graffiti and it is a rapidly developing artform whose value is highly contested, being reviled by many authorities while also subject to protection, sometimes within the same jurisdiction.

The primary intention of this proposal is to add more color and excitement to the surrounding walls of the Penang City Stadium. The wall which runs almost parallel to Perak Road from Dato’ Keramat Road to the Sungai Pinang River is presently needs a facelift badly and with this proposal it is hoped that it will brighten up the area around the ‘Astaka and the parking lot.

It will also be and added tourist attraction along with the Lorong Kulit and Rumah P.Ramlee. It will act as an added incentive for tourist to visit the area in addition to the two tourist destinations.
With a little investment the project can be turned into an international event where outstanding contemporary graffiti painters can be persuaded to participate in showcasing their works. Such artists may come from neighboring countries like Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia. Local artist may also participate through various schools and institutions,colleges and universities. This project will help to promote awareness in artistic expressions among the younger generation in this country and it will be the first of its kind here.

Venue;
The Penang City Stadium surrounding walls is in dire need of a facelift and as such this project will be hitting two birds with one stone for rather than a regular white wash the walls can become a work of art.
The food court or Astaka on Perak Road will also benefit by this project as it will bring more traffic into the area.
It is also observed that the stretch of road running parallel to the river and stadium wall towards the Lorong Kulit entrance can also be included in this scope of upgrading and beatification of the general stadium area. This can be done by erecting a low wall along the river bank which will also hide the unsightly river bank across. With proper landscaping the strip can be turned into a decent walk way to view the works on the walls.

Proposal of Subject/ Themes;
This can be made by an organizing committee elected to carry out the project supervision. The One Malaysia Theme is one good example or an international theme that is universal in message such as World Peace. Sport related themes may also be an alternative as it will enhance the function of the stadium.
Artists will be the freedom to express in their own styles but will be advised as to what can and cannot be portrayed so as to discourage offensive symbols and designs.

Implementation;

An organizing committee is to be elected representing all the pertinent parties involved and this would include the MPPP, the Stadium Management Agency, The Penang Tourism Board member, Interested Artists and so forth.
A course of action will be mapped out to avoid any impediment due to unforeseen circumstances before actual work is carried out.
Interested Artists and parties will be required to submit their intended ideas or designs for approval by a selecting committee.
It would be an impetus to attract participation in the project by providing incentives in the form of competitions and awards.

Staging, tools and materials will be provided according to the need of the artists and safe work rule will be observed.
The comfort and convenience of the participants will be cared for to enable them to perform at their maximum.
As the event will undoubtedly attract many onlookers and tourists included proper care will be taken to ensure that no traffic related incidents takes place during this time.
Details as to whether the participants will receive any allowances and provided with food and beverages for the duration of their work will be deliberated by the working committee.

Personal Note;

It is my content that if the project is being carried with utmost careful planning and least of government bureaucratic interference, the Penang State will stand to benefit in many ways once it is completed.
For one, it can be claimed as the longest Graffiti painted wall in the country.
It will also uplift and enhance the general area around the City Stadium.
Graffiti is appealing to the younger generation and thus will attract them towards being more creatively involved with the society in general.

I also envision the vast parking lot area turned into one form of art related activity or another such as live performances on weekends including break dancing and skateboarding. This can happen when there is no activities is happening in the stadium itself, like soccer and so on.



















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