According to reports, the visual arts industry in Malaysia is valued at less than RM100 million. This is a relatively small figure compared to other creative sectors. The question is: Who is actively promoting visual arts in Malaysia?
As far as I know, there is only one government agency that plays a significant role in supporting the art business—the National Art Gallery (NAG). Its primary mission is to promote visual arts while preserving Malaysia’s national artworks.
A few years ago, NAG launched the Young Artist Entrepreneurs (YAE) program to help local young artists develop their skills, not just in creating art but also in transforming their work into a sustainable business. The program encourages participants to explore both fine art and art-based products for sale.
In 2020, I was honored to be engaged as one of the YAE Business Coaches. Over the last five years, I have worked closely with more than 100 artists, guiding them in their entrepreneurial journey. One of the key milestones of the program is the end-of-year exhibition, where participants showcase and sell their artworks and creative products. This exhibition takes place at GMBB Kuala Lumpur, a hub for local creative entrepreneurs.
I am happy to note that since last year (2024), some of my students have taken a step further by establishing five kiosks on the 2nd floor of GMBB, KL. These kiosks not only serve as platforms to sell their own products but also feature works by other artists and offer art workshops to the public. This marks a significant achievement, as it fosters a collaborative and supportive art ecosystem.
One of these young artists is Niya, who started her artistic journey at the age of nine in Seremban. Today, she specializes in portrait commissions, conducts art classes, and sells her own products both at GMBB and online. To expand market opportunities for my students, I also took them to Pasar Seni, KL to explore consignment sales, where vendors sell artworks on behalf of artists.
For new artist-entrepreneurs, I encourage them to start with online sales and work with established vendors to gain exposure. For those with more experience, I motivate them to form strategic partnerships with key vendors and businesses to scale their operations sustainably.
The Bigger Picture: Challenges & Opportunities
From my experience working with young artists over the past five years, I have seen incredible talent and creativity. However, they need proper guidance, financial support, and a well-developed art business ecosystem to truly thrive.
Unfortunately, the creative industry in Malaysia contributes less than 4% of the national GDP, while in Indonesia, it accounts for 15%—nearly four times more. This highlights the urgent need for stronger efforts from industry stakeholders, especially the government, to support and expand Malaysia’s creative economy.
Every country has access to the latest technology, but it is creativity that gives us an unfair advantage on the global stage. By fostering a robust creative industry, Malaysia can position itself as a competitive player in the international art and design market.
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