by Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, May 2: The Sarawak Performing Arts Centre located by Astana Road is slated for completion in 2027, says Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The Performing Arts Centre repurposes the previous State Legislative Assembly (DUN), costing approximately RM250 million.
According to Abdul Karim, upon its completion in 2027, the building will be handed over to the Sarawak Arts Ministry (MSS) and is slated to be yet another iconic landmark in Kuching that will attract local as well as global performing art enthusiasts.
“The wait is finally over, for Sarawak to have a specific place for performing arts. Gone are the days when cinemas were the sole mode of entertainment for Kuching folks,” said Abdul Karim during the launching and handover of the Performing Arts Centre project at the old DUN today.
The project includes changes and upgrades to transform the building, equipped with state-of-the-art technology with complete equipment for theatres, multipurpose hall, dance studio, music recording studio, office spaces, and meeting spaces.
The State government has also engaged a consortium from America for both the upgrading and design purposes for the Sarawak Performing Arts Centre.
“The project involves a highly specialised area in terms of sounds and acoustics. Not many people are proficient in these kinds of things, which is why a consortium from America was awarded the project. It is a consortium of four companies,” said Abdul Karim.
“Next to this (performing arts centre) building, there will also be a structure called ‘Lapau’, which will be a fine dining area,” he added.
To him, he hoped that the building could be resourceful by hosting performances at least once a month or at best, once a fortnight.
“Hopefully with this performing arts centre, we (Sarawak) would be able to produce more creative and innovative youth in the future,” said Abdul Karim.
Also present at the event were Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, DUN Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohammad Asfia Awang Nassar, MTCP Deputy Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan, and other notable attendees. — DayakDaily
