Art Is More Than Decoration, Ipoh Needs to Change!
By: Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
Photos: Emily2U
IPOH: Art should not merely serve as decoration on gallery walls or an activity to fill leisure time. Instead, it should be recognised as an industry capable of generating income, boosting tourism and bringing about change in society.
The Perak Contemporary Art Festival 2026 (PCAF), themed ‘CHANGE’, was held along Jalan Lasam, Ipoh, from October 24 to 31, showcasing 30 artworks by 30 artists from across Malaysia. The festival demonstrated the immense potential for artistic development, but sustained support is needed beyond seasonal events.
More significantly, the festival also contributed RM1,000 to Dapur Jalanan, an Ipoh-based volunteer group that provides free meals and basic necessities to the homeless and urban poor.
The initiative demonstrates that art is not merely a form of creative expression, but can also serve as a platform to foster compassion and give back to the community.
However, social contributions and the success of bringing artists together are not enough to measure the progress of the arts industry.
The bigger question is whether artists can earn a living, market their work and build sustainable careers.
Ipoh also has the potential to establish art as part of its urban identity, complementing its well-known culinary attractions, heritage and cultural offerings.
Consistently organised art festivals could attract visitors from outside Perak, generating economic benefits for local food operators, accommodation providers and businesses.
However, such efforts require effective promotion, year-round programmes and broader community participation.
Art should not attract attention only during festivals, before fading into obscurity once the events are over.
The festival, which ended on October 31, should serve as a starting point for a broader effort to develop the arts industry in Ipoh and throughout Perak.
Art should be regarded as an investment in creativity, the economy and community well-being, rather than merely an addition to an event’s programme.
With the right support, art can not only change public perceptions but also create jobs, generate income and strengthen Ipoh’s position as a city that values creativity.
Real change is not defined by a festival’s theme, but by how far art can transform the lives of artists and the wider community.
