ALOR SETAR, Dec 24 — The year-old installation of underwater sculptures based on mythology and legends at Pulau Pasir in Langkawi has boosted the tourism sector on the resort island.
In a statement today, the National Art Gallery’s Corporate Communications Unit said that the National Visual Arts Development Board (LPSVN), through the Langkawi branch of the gallery, visited the island under the Pulau Pasir Art Exploration programme on Friday and Saturday.
It said the programme, a collaboration with the Pengkalan Kubang Badak Fishing Community Association, was officiated by National Art Gallery director-general Amerrudin Ahmad and aimed at promoting Pulau Pasir as a tourist destination in Langkawi.
The programme also provided an artistic experience for the community and tourists alike, while emphasising the sustainability of the ecosystem and marine life.
The statement said the main theme of the programme was ‘Art at the Jetty’, the gallery’s new approach to promoting art by providing each jetty with an identity and uniqueness.
The art exploration programme involved the local community, who took part in fishing competitions, cultural performances, and colouring contests.
The Langkawi Art Gallery said it hoped that the programme could expand art activities in Langkawi by contributing to the sustainability of nature and the marine ecosystem while attracting more local and international tourists.
Also present at the programme were LPSVN board member Fauzan Omar and National Art Gallery Langkawi Branch Director Muhammad Hazrin Abdul Malek @ Moktar.
A total of 14 sculptures produced by nine local artists, were anchored around Pulau Pasir in June last year.
It was part of the community-based tourism organised by the National Art Gallery to strengthen the country’s art and tourism ecosystem and was recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the largest underwater sculpture installation in the country.
Further information about the programme may be obtained at www.artgallery.gov.my or the official Langkawi Branch National Art Gallery social media accounts.
— Bernama
