George Town Festival’s Lesson on Inclusivity

By The Malketeer

A Misstep in Representation

In an era where cultural sensitivity and inclusivity are paramount, even well-intentioned initiatives can inadvertently stumble.

The George Town Festival 2024 (GTF), organised by Kerson Media Global Sdn Bhd, recently found itself in hot water for omitting Malay culture from its promotional videos.

The omission sparked an outcry, leading the organiser to remove the one-minute and 47 second promotional video and issue an apology.

While the intent may have been to celebrate the rich tapestry of Penang’s heritage, the execution highlighted a significant and serious oversight in representation.

Acknowledging the Oversight

Kerson Media’s swift response, which included an apology and a statement stressing their commitment to inclusivity, underscores the importance of acknowledging and rectifying mistakes.

They emphasised that the festival’s programming does, in fact, include a diverse range of ethnic groups.

Specifically, eight programmes by Malay groups and individuals are slated for this year’s festival, showcasing a vibrant array of performances and cultural exhibitions.

These programmes include PEON Performance by Patblas Creative, Lawatan Berpandu: Pengalaman Prangin by Moka Mocha Ink, C.O.R.E. Homegrown Concerts by Uah Music Culture, Southeast Asian Chorelab by MyDance Alliance, Dancing in Place by MyDance Alliance, USM Fine Arts Showcase: Voyage of Discovery@GTF, 63-65: Notes from a Separation Performance Workshop by Bahri & Co, and Performance: Experiment@Courtyard China House.

Celebrating Diversity

This incident serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of balanced representation in promotional content.

The George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI), the festival’s owner, mandates that at least 50 percent of the festival’s performances feature local Malaysian artists.

This year, out of 80 programmes, 53 are dedicated to local talent, spanning film, theatre, exhibitions, and multi-sensory experiences.

Such statistics highlight the festival’s dedication to celebrating the local arts scene, yet the initial misstep in the promotional video shows there’s still room for improvement.

Addressing Community Concerns

The disappointment voiced by local communities, notably from Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang (Pemenang) and Gabungan Persatuan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Melayu Negeri Pulau Pinang (Gagungan), is not to be taken lightly.

Their concerns reflect a broader need for cultural sensitivity and accurate representation.

Tan Sri Mohd Yussof Latiff, President of both organisations, criticised the promotional video for its lack of multicultural representation.

NGO Institut Kesedaran Rakyat Chairperson, Abdul Rahman Maidin, said the video made it seem that Penang was exclusive to the Chinese and Indian communities.

“The video is against the sensitivities of the Malay community in Penang. There’s not a single element that portrays (the Malays), as if the community does not exist in Penang,” he is quoted as saying in Malaysiakini.

Similarly, Penang PAS Information Chief Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan questioned if the video was part of “an agenda” to misrepresent George Town’s diverse cultural landscape.

He further called on the state government to take action against the parties involved and suggested reconsidering the name George Town, proposing a return to its original name, Tanjung Penaga, to better reflect local identity.

Moving Forward with Inclusivity

This incident provides a valuable lesson for event organisers everywhere: on the importance of inclusivity in all promotional and planning activities.

GTF’s commitment to resolving this issue and improving future promotions is a positive step forward.

It is essential for all cultural events to genuinely reflect the diversity of the communities they celebrate, ensuring every group feels seen and valued.

As George Town Festival 2024 approaches, running from July 19 to 28, it is an opportunity for the organisers to demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity and cultural representation.

By doing so, they not only honour the rich, multicultural heritage of Penang but also set a standard for future events to follow.

The journey towards true inclusivity is ongoing, and every step taken in the right direction is a step worth celebrating.