AdminAfter years of missed celebrations, the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac) marked its 19th anniversary last month with a festive and heartwarming Music Play Date concert. The event, held under the serene canopy of a banyan tree, was more than just a celebration—it was a launchpad for klpac Connect, a new access and development initiative supported by Yayasan Sime Darby aimed at expanding the reach of the arts within the community.
A vibrant crowd of 250 attendees enjoyed the klpac Symphonic Band’s performance while picnicking in the open air. Young audience members eagerly participated in a quiz, raising their hands to name instruments and songs, embodying the essence of klpac Connect’s mission to make the arts accessible to all.
Building a More Inclusive Arts Community
Ian Chow, klpac’s General Manager, expressed the center’s vision for the initiative: “With klpac Connect, we hope to do our bit to improve access to the arts and broaden our reach to different communities. For example, to make it easier for families with young children to attend live performances, we will have more casual shows like Music Play Date free of charge as well as improve our amenities. Apart from that, there are other initiatives for schools, persons with disabilities, performers and also members of the public.”
Y.A.M. Tunku Tan Sri Imran Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar, Chairman of Yayasan Sime Darby, shared the significance of the partnership: “We met each other in 2013, when klpac was at the brink of closing its doors to the public due to funding challenges. In conjunction with our 11-year partnership celebration, we are launching the klpac Connect programme to continue nurturing an even more inclusive arts community, especially for children, as the arts is absolutely essential for wholesome education and personal development.”
Sponsored Student Tickets Initiative
A key feature of klpac Connect is the distribution of 500 sponsored student tickets to school students aged nine to 25 over the next year. This effort aims to provide young people with early exposure to the arts and live performances. The first open call for sponsored tickets includes four performances: Perhiasan Kaca, Jingju Magic: Love & Bewilderment, The Age of Romance, and Tunes from the East II. Priority will be given to first-time attendees from public schools, particularly those in rural or out-of-state locations. Schools interested in these tickets can register at klpac Connect Registration.
Enhanced Amenities for Families and Disabled Visitors
To accommodate families with young children, klpac has planned three additional casual and educational shows similar to Music Play Date. Additionally, new amenities such as diaper changing tables, booster seats, and ear defenders are now available. A cozy reading nook has also been established on Level 3 outside the studios, creating a family-friendly environment.
For visitors with disabilities, klpac has introduced a pushchair available for loan, accessible seating options bookable through the box office, and a new reception counter designed with universal accessibility principles.
Educational and Programs
Klpac Connect also includes various educational programs for the public. These pre or post-show talks provide deeper insights into productions and the creative process. The upcoming talk will be held alongside the staging of Perhiasan Kaca on June 30 and July 7, 2024. Furthermore, two pre-show touch tours are being piloted to enhance the theatre experience for the visually impaired.
In response to the post-pandemic talent drain, klpac is launching mentor-mentee projects offering hands-on production experience. Details for these opportunities will be available on klpac’s website.
Initiatives like klpac Connect are vital for fostering an inclusive arts ecosystem, ensuring broader community access to Malaysian arts. Individuals or organizations interested in supporting klpac Connect through donations or sponsorship can contact [email protected] or [email protected].
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