GEORGE TOWN, March 16 (Bernama) — The Penang House of Music (PHoM), located on the fourth floor of the state’s iconic building, Komtar here, has finally closed its doors on Saturday after more than seven years due to financial difficulties and lack of institutional support.
The public, especially music enthusiasts, visited the gallery that displays various artistic treasures and heritage of the state before it closed for good at 5 pm.
PHoM founder Paul Augustin said they had tried their best to stay afloat but had to proceed with the decision to cease operations due to financial constraints.
“…this was not an easy decision, but I had to make it. I am sad, but at the same time, I feel relief. When we announced the closure, many came forward to offer their help, but perhaps this (closing down) is the best way forward.
“I’ve been thinking about it for over a year. How would we survive in such difficult situation and finally in February, I made the decision (to cease operations),” he said.
In addition to financial problems, Paul said people were unaware of the centre’s existence due to its hidden location, even though it was listed as a must-visit spot for tourists.
However, he expressed gratitude to the state government for trusting the centre and to creative industry players, schools and universities for their continuous support.
Meanwhile, an e-hailing driver, Khor Phaik Hoon, 51, who was at the gallery with his mother and two children, said he did not want to miss the chance to see the history exhibited there.
Khor said he learnt about the gallery from a passenger from Kuala Lumpur.
“I was told that today (Saturday) is the last day…my children were the most excited because they got to see many unusual musical instruments and my mother, who is a fan of P.Ramlee (who was a Penang native) was happy to reminisce about her younger days,” said Khor.
Supported by the state government, PHoM was opened in November 2016 with an initial fund of RM3 million to intensify efforts to preserve and revitalise traditional arts performances such as boria, ronggeng, dondang sayang, inang, joget and keroncong.
On Thursday, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow revealed that the state government had provided a grant of RM500,000 to the centre over the past few years.
