Leading up to klpac’s 20th anniversary in 2025, the non-profit arts organisation will be stepping up its fundraising efforts starting with the roll out of “Save Your Seat”. This follows the recent announcement of a record-breaking budget that, unfortunately, has left arts centres like klpac in a sad state.
“Save Your Seat” is a fun and yet meaningful initiative where members of the public can ‘chope’ or adopt a seat in klpac’s Pentas 1 theatre and play a part in keeping this home for Malaysian performing arts alive. The adopters will be recognised on a board outside the theatre and the funds will aid klpac’s operation needs.
Why you should “Save Your Seat”!
Reflecting on the almost two-decade long journey, klpac’s General Manager Ian Chow said, “We have survived a global financial crisis and a pandemic that left us without audiences for 377 days. We nearly closed in 2012 but Yayasan Sime Darby came to our rescue. From zero audiences during the pandemic, klpac has clawed its way back to 80,000 visitors in 2023 with over 130 shows, which is our pre-pandemic level. Support from theatre goers has been great with our shows averaging well over 80% occupancy in the last two years.”
“The pandemic set us back almost RM2 million while sponsorship dropped almost 40% post-pandemic. It is not getting easier, financially, and that is why we have been mindful not to raise our venue charges and ticket prices too greatly. We are at a great disadvantage too because whatever little funding there is out there does not cater to arts centres which have higher overheads and hefty maintenance needs. The recent Budget 2025 announcement has neglected arts centres once again,” he explained.
klpac’s Co-Founder and Executive Producer Dato’ Dr. Faridah Merican, who just celebrated her 85th birthday, said, “We are not complacent. We must and will fight for what we want. At our company meeting the other day, we made it clear that Joe and I will not be around forever. It is up to them and everyone. My biggest wish is to secure the future of klpac and that the performing arts in this country gets the recognition and support it deserves.”
klpac’s Co-Founder and Artistic Director Joe Hasham OAM chipped in, “We have come a long way, but we did not do it on our own. People stop us on the streets to tell us that we have been doing a good job but what we appreciated more were people who rolled up their sleeves to do something – hold fundraisers, give back and adopt a seat. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. In return, we will give our best and keep on keeping on.”
Seats can be adopted from RM100 onwards here. The campaign will continue until all seats have been adopted.
