THE Performing Arts Centre of Penang (penangpac) will cease operations on January 15, following financial difficulties brought about by Covid-19.

The centre in a statement said: “It is with great sadness that the Actors Studio and Eastern & Oriental Bhd have mutually agreed to close down the penangpac as it is no longer financially sustainable.

“This is partly due to the devastating two years brought about by the pandemic and its after effects, as well as the poor immediate outlook and recovery.”

The closure announcement concludes months of discussions between both parties, it added.

“While every effort has been made to secure the future of penangpac, it has proved impossible in this current climate.”

The premises will be shut and returned to Eastern & Oriental Bhd on the day of the closure.

The centre’s co-founders Faridah Merican and Joe Hasham said the decision did not come easy.

“It is indeed heart-breaking that penangpac has to close down, but we must face the facts and reality,” said the married couple.

“We would like to extend our gratitude to Eastern & Oriental Bhd for partnering with The Actors Studio to set up penangpac 10 years ago and housing us in Straits Quay, where we have enjoyed 10 extraordinary years.

“During this time, we had the privilege of witnessing many artistes and performing arts groups blossom, playing host to many international groups and creating what we hoped was a warm home for the performing arts community in the north.

“We have been on the receiving end of much warmth, care and generosity from patrons, students, sponsors, partners, staff, ex-staff and interns, and for that, we thank you.

“Penangpac as an institution and space may cease to exist come January 15, but may the dream and hope to further the arts in Penang and the northern region continue to live on in all of us arts makers.”

They also hope that The Actors Studio will make a return to the state.

Penangpac has staged about 1,000 events and performances, including 100 international troupes, entertaining 250,000 audiences from all walks of life. – January 6, 2022.