By Karen Bong
KUCHING, March 23: The Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak plans to conduct a study visit to Singapore this year to gather insights into the establishment and management of the proposed Sarawak Art Gallery, which would be housed at the historic old Government Printing Office opposite the Central Police Station.
Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, while expressing hopes for works on the art gallery to kick off soon, said it is still in the planning stage with the Ministry actively pursuing financing.
“We intend to visit Singapore this year to gather insights into the establishment and management of art galleries in the Island Republic.
“We also need to get architects to come up with the architectural design to transform the building while preserving its heritage value,” he told reporters when attending the official unveiling of a 9.84-metre-long ‘Flora and Fauna of Borneo’ watercolour artwork by artist Bong Shin Siong at Hoan Gallery, La Promenade Mall, today.
Abdul Karim added that the budget for the project has yet to be finalised, pending the architectural design and assessment of the renovation works required.
“There are some problems with the flooring due to excavation works for the drainage system near the Yayasan Sarawak building. I was made to understand that part of the flooring has collapsed a bit, so extra work will be required to preserve it, considering its heritage significance,” he shared.
Considering the growing artist community in Sarawak, Abdul Karim revealed plans to establish more galleries, including one in Miri, by repurposing the old Resident and District Office, which was initially earmarked for conversion into a museum.
“But I think it is too small to accommodate a museum; instead, a gallery to showcase our art and cultures would be more suitable. Private galleries could also be considered to showcase exclusive collections,” he added.
Abdul Karim also highlighted the necessity of having one body overseeing art, similar to the one managing crafts, to better steer the development of the art gallery.
“The Sarawak Craft Centre at the old Japanese headquarters next to the Borneo Cultures Museum is also coming up soon.
“So give us a little bit of time to get it done. But Sarawak will have all that—an art gallery, craft centre, and performing art centre for the creative community,” he assured.
Meanwhile, the old Government Printing Office, erected in 1908 and extensively renovated in 1951 to house the Kuching Municipal Council (KMC), served as the Kuching Resident’s Office until 2014.
Positioned conveniently within walking distance of several tourist attractions, including the Borneo Cultures Museum, Natural History Museum, and Maritime Museum, its transformation into an art gallery promises to enhance Kuching’s appeal to visitors and tourists alike. — DayakDaily
