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George Town’s Street Mural Art and Tourism Impact

Article · December 2017 DOI: 10.12982/AJTR.2017.0022

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George Town’s Street Mural Art and Tourism Impact

Clement Liang C. M.* Penang Heritage Trust

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of street mural art on tourism in Penang, based on data sourced from literature reviews, news portal reports and a street survey. The paper attempts to look at the development of street mural art in the context of the world art scene and how it has evolved into a trendy and contemporary art form, and in some places - like George Town in Penang - its popularity is now being exploited to boost tourism while being turned into local iconic symbols. This paper also attempts to analyze the collected data related to the major events, impact on tourism and sustainability of street mural art in George Town. Street mural art is copied by other cities and towns in Malaysia, and Thailand recently, with the intension to emulate the success of George Town in promoting it as a tourism product. This is perhaps a new phenomenon in the Asian tourism field and one which differs from the Western world in its context and purposes.

Keywords: Street mural art, George Town World Heritage Site, Shophouses, Inner city, Tourism, Economic impact, Asian phenomenon

Introduction

The origin of street mural art can be traced back to the prehistoric sculptures and cave paintings. Human beings have a creative instinct to express their artistic talent in the public space and used open blank surfaces as the canvas for earlier art expressions and memories. This form of popular art has appeared in almost all civilizations and marks a process in human evolution history; from living on basic survival instinct to art appreciation.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of street mural art on the heritage and tourism industry in Penang, based on data sourced from literature

168 Asian Journal of Tourism Research George Town’s Street Mural Art and Tourism Impact 169 Vol. 2, No.3, December 2017, pp. 168-188 https://doi.org/10.12982/AJTR.2017.0022 reviews, news portal reports and surveys on the street mural art tourists. The paper looks at the development of street mural art in the context of the world art scene, and how it has evolved into a trendy, local and contemporary art Research Note form in places like George Town in Penang, where its popularity is also being exploited to boost tourism, at the same time as being turned into local iconic symbols. The street mural art trend is being copied by other cities and towns George Town’s Street Mural Art and Tourism Impact in Malaysia and Thailand with the intension of emulating the success of George Town in promoting it as a tourism product, and is perhaps a new phenomenon in the Asian tourism field and one which differs from the Western world in its context and purposes. Clement Liang C. M.* Penang Heritage Trust The Street Mural Art and Living Space

Street mural art as an urban art form has evolved in recent decades at an Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of street mural art on accelerated pace. Beginning in the ghettos of New York in the 1970’s, the tourism in Penang, based on data sourced from literature reviews, news portal reports and a street survey. The paper attempts to look at the development of street mural art themes, technique and styles of street art are continually changing and in the context of the world art scene and how it has evolved into a trendy and evolving but the aims remain the same: to express, to draw attention, to contemporary art form, and in some places - like George Town in Penang - its communicate and to provoke ideas (Campos 2012). The artists generally popularity is now being exploited to boost tourism while being turned into local prefer to be anonymous or maintain a low profile, although their artworks iconic symbols. This paper also attempts to analyze the collected data related to the major events, impact on tourism and sustainability of street mural art in George seek to gain recognition (or some sort of understanding) from passers-by on Town. Street mural art is copied by other cities and towns in Malaysia, and Thailand the social message expressed. For years, street mural art belonged to the recently, with the intension to emulate the success of George Town in promoting it realms in back alleys, blank walls, abandoned vehicles and subway stations as a tourism product. This is perhaps a new phenomenon in the Asian tourism field etc.; painted without the approvals of the owners or authorities and treated and one which differs from the Western world in its context and purposes. more often as graffiti waiting to be white-washed over. Keywords: Street mural art, George Town World Heritage Site, Shophouses, Inner city, Tourism, Economic impact, Asian phenomenon In the late 1990’s, street mural art was largely transformed and began to be accepted as mainstream art, as more galleries, books and magazines in Introduction Western countries focused on this contemporary art form and gave it proper recognition. Perhaps one of the most controversial street artists in the world, The origin of street mural art can be traced back to the prehistoric sculptures from Bristol, Banksy, has developed an entire street art subculture devoted to and cave paintings. Human beings have a creative instinct to express their his graffiti artworks (Baker 2008). Posters and pictures of his street art at artistic talent in the public space and used open blank surfaces as the canvas popular sites can be easily searched within social media, and public for earlier art expressions and memories. This form of popular art has discussions of the creative paintings are hot topics. In the 21st century, the appeared in almost all civilizations and marks a process in human evolution status of street art painters has been further elevated and their paintworks need history; from living on basic survival instinct to art appreciation. not be confined to the hidden corners of the streets any more.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of street mural art on the Although street art remains illegal in most places around the world, some heritage and tourism industry in Penang, based on data sourced from literature cities have begun to recognize the positive effects the artwork has on local

168 170 Clement Liang communities and city environments. In cities like New York, Bristol and Berlin, city authorities and advertising agencies have supported street art by commissioning works of art on the walls of public and private buildings. Compared to duplicated billboards, each piece of street art is unique, can grab public attention easier and give better mileage for the advertisers. Painting murals on the sides of buildings also brightens neighborhoods. “Street art has the visual and cognitive effect of commercial advertising, and many of its brand dynamics, but carries messages of enjoyment, ideological critique, and activist exhortation rather than of commercial consumption” (Borghini et al. 2010). The presence of street art painters, is seen to enrich the cultural scene of public places and they are deemed to be good for the diversity of art expressions in the town.

RecentRecent trends in global citycity’s’s’ urbanurban designdesign callcall for the ““CreativeCreative CityCity”” regenerationregeneration approach;approach; policy makers and town planners aarere reviewingreviewing andand shiftingshifting away from the conventional methodology of designing livingliving spacesspaces basedbased on tangible infrastructure development, towards that ofof ‘‘creativity’creativity’ inin townstowns andand communities,communities, to provide spaces for creative industriesindustries andand culturalcultural developmentdevelopment (Khoo(Khoo et al.al. 2015).2015). Art is being used for urban revitalization andand thethe conceptconcept toto “live,“live, play, work,work, invest”invest” in a postpost-industrial-industrial citycity isis thethe newnew missionmission and vision employed by some city councilors to revive lackluster oror sterilesterile inner city living, to rejuvenate dwindling neighborhoods and to attractattract crowdscrowds back to cities through more interesting public art work, street muralsmurals andand cultural events etc.etc. (Rocha(Rocha 20082008).). Berlin, Buenos Aires, London, NewNew YorkYork andand MelbourneMelbourne areare some of the global cities joininjoiningg thethe bandwagon;bandwagon; experimentingexperimenting using street art to boost the local art scene and enhance thethe identityidentity ofof aa place.place. The last decade has seen the promulgation of street muralmural artsarts in Asia as well.well. Together with rap music and Black American culture,culture, streetstreet artart is copied by the younger generation in this region asas aa fashionfashion statementstatement andand symbolsymbol ofof trendtrend setters.setters.

George Town – From Inner City Decline to the World Heritage Listing

George Town, Penang, was founded by the British East India Company in 1786 and groomed to be an entrepôt for trading spices and local produce. For centuries, it thrived as a regional trade hub with its strategic location at the northern entrance of the Straits of Malacca, a vital waterway connecting the Far East to India and Europe. Penang Island enjoyed tax-free status since the 170 Clement Liang George Town’s Street Mural Art and Tourism Impact 171 communities and city environments. In cities like New York, Bristol and British colonial period and became a magnate to attract traders, shoppers and Berlin, city authorities and advertising agencies have supported street art by tourists from near and far. Known as the “Pearl of the Orient” in the 1960’s, commissioning works of art on the walls of public and private buildings. Penang offered cheap shopping and pristine tropical beaches, was a well- Compared to duplicated billboards, each piece of street art is unique, can grab known beach resort in the region and at one stage rest and relaxation public attention easier and give better mileage for the advertisers. Painting destination for the American soldiers taking their breaks from the Vietnam murals on the sides of buildings also brightens neighborhoods. “Street art has War (Khoo 2007). However, when the island’s tax-free status was revoked in the visual and cognitive effect of commercial advertising, and many of its 1969, it triggered the gradual downward slide of the island’s economy. brand dynamics, but carries messages of enjoyment, ideological critique, and activist exhortation rather than of commercial consumption” (Borghini et al. For years, the pre-War shophouses in George Town were protected from 2010). The presence of street art painters, is seen to enrich the cultural scene urban development due to the national Rent Control Act enacted in 1966, of public places and they are deemed to be good for the diversity of art which prohibited landlords from arbitrarily increasing the rent and ensured expressions in the town. affordable social housing to the lower income groups in Penang's inner city (Tjoa-Bonatz 2000). The Act was repealed in 2000 and it led to a big change Recent trends in global city’s’ urban design call for the “Creative City” in the demographic distribution of the population, and disrupted the economic regeneration approach; policy makers and town planners are reviewing and activity of George Town. House rentals shot up overnight, forcing tenants to shifting away from the conventional methodology of designing living spaces move out of their homes and resettle in suburban areas and reclaimed coastal based on tangible infrastructure development, towards that of ‘creativity’ in lands where new flats emerged. The gentrification of inner city population towns and communities, to provide spaces for creative industries and cultural accelerated and the derelict buildings led to more demolitions (Mok 2016). development (Khoo et al. 2015). Art is being used for urban revitalization and Many pre-War shophouses in the city’s peripheral areas were replaced by the the concept to “live, play, work, invest” in a post-industrial city is the new high-rise apartments and modern office buildings built during the booming mission and vision employed by some city councilors to revive lackluster or years in the early 1990’s. The narrow streets in the core zone of George Town sterile inner city living, to rejuvenate dwindling neighborhoods and to attract were still saddled with rows of old buildings waiting for new development crowds back to cities through more interesting public art work, street murals opportunities, but the ensuing recession years following the Asian Financial and cultural events etc. (Rocha 2008). Berlin, Buenos Aires, London, New Crisis in 1998 dampened the property speculations in the old town area, York and Melbourne are some of the global cities joining the bandwagon; leaving fewer residents and more empty houses (Filmer 2015). experimenting using street art to boost the local art scene and enhance the identity of a place. The last decade has seen the promulgation of street mural The looming crisis facing the dilapidating inner city area of George Town arts in Asia as well. Together with rap music and Black American culture, prompted concerned citizens, social media, opposition parties, and non- street art is copied by the younger generation in this region as a fashion government organizations, like SOS and Penang Heritage Trust, to highlight statement and symbol of trend setters. the issues and heighten awareness of the danger of losing the built and living heritage of the traditional neighborhood in the inner city, where dwindling George Town – From Inner City Decline to the World Heritage Listing numbers of trades artisans and residents are staying. In order to address the further decline of George Town and to save its rich multi-cultural heritage, George Town, Penang, was founded by the British East India Company in and to boost its tourism potential, the state party began the process of listing 1786 and groomed to be an entrepôt for trading spices and local produce. For George Town as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural centuries, it thrived as a regional trade hub with its strategic location at the Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site (WHS), together with Melaka, northern entrance of the Straits of Malacca, a vital waterway connecting the another historic city in southern Malaysia facing a similar dilemma since Far East to India and Europe. Penang Island enjoyed tax-free status since the 172 Clement Liang

2000. The application was successful on 7th July, 2008, when UNESCO officially inscribed both George Town and Melaka as a cultural World Heritage Site in its annual conference in Quebec, Canada.

The three Outstanding Universal Values which enabled George Town (and Melaka) to be inscribed were:

Criterion (ii): George Town and Melaka represent exceptional examples of multi-cultural trading towns in East and Southeast Asia, forged from the mercantile and exchanges of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures and three successive European colonial powers, each with its imprints on the architecture and urban form, technology and monumental art. Both towns show different stages of development and the successive changes over a long span of time and are thus complementary.

Criterion (iii): George Town and Melaka are living testimony to the multi- cultural heritage and tradition of Asia, and European colonial influences. This multi-cultural tangible and intangible heritage is expressed in the great variety of religious buildings of different faiths, ethnic quarters, the many languages, worship and religious festivals, dances, costumes, art and music, food, and daily life.

Criterion (iv): George Town and Melaka reflect a mixture of influences which have created a unique architecture, culture and townscape without parallel anywhere in East and South Asia. In particular, they demonstrate an exceptional range of shophouses and townhouses. These buildings show many different types and stages of development of the building type, some originating in the Dutch or Portuguese periods.(UNESCO (UNESCO 2008).2008)

The integrity of the nominated areas in both towns is related to the presence of all the elements necessary to express their Outstanding Universal Values (OUVs) 1, where these properties have retained their authenticity; listed monuments and sites have been retained with regards to the design, materials, methodologies, techniques and workmanship.

174 Clement Liang UNESCO commented that protective measures for the properties are necessary for George Town, which has exhibited a generally acceptable state strategies and measures are flexible to allow for changes and further improvement.

This is where the contentious issue of the wall mural art in the WHS is raised and addressed accordingly. The old walls of the shophouses represent an integral part of the cultural landscape of George Town and any attempts to alter, demolish or deface any part of the old walls can be deemed a violation of the conditions stipulated in the guideline (AJM Planning and Design Group 2011). Thus, various conditions imposed on the wall mural paintings in the WHS of George Town were later thought out and executed; in particular, the process to secure a wall space to paint a picture on would require official sanction, with proper vetting and approval procedures made by the Heritage Department of the Penang Municipal Council.

George Town, Penang: A Case Study of Using Street Mural Art to Boost Heritage Tourism

Towards the end of the 20th century, a noticeable trend in global tourism emerged. More “new wave” tourists now preferred to have real cultural experiences; visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and appreciating art or learning a skill in a local setting become the ‘in-thing’ in what is termed as “Heritage Tourism” (Heng et al. 2010). In the case of Penang, the focus of tourism also shifted from the early days’ theme of “Sun, Sea and Shopping” to the current “Heritage Tourism”.

Since its inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, George Town has been drawing the attention of tourists who arrive in droves to observe and experience the old world charm of this historic town, where colonial-style bungalows and traditional shophouses tipped with red terracotta roofs are mostly found intact and in large numbers. Despite the increasing number of tourists to the inner city, the city’s lifeless old street scene in the early days of its WHS listing often failed to encourage tourists to stay on for longer periods of time or to spend money. Souvenir stalls and cafes were few and far between, and years of gentrification still had its grip on the lackluster life of the inner city.

A quote from the American Journal of Advertising aptly described street art as “the visual and cognitive effect of commercial advertising, and many of its 172 Clement Liang George Town’s Street Mural Art and Tourism Impact 173

2000. The application was successful on 7th July, 2008, when UNESCO of conservation, although more efforts are required to ensure the conservation officially inscribed both George Town and Melaka as a cultural World of shophouses, and can be enhanced through the continuing conservation Heritage Site in its annual conference in Quebec, Canada. programs of the State Party (UNESCO 2008).

The three Outstanding Universal Values which enabled George Town (and The importance attached to the conservation of shophouses is stressed by this Melaka) to be inscribed were: world body and as a state party, Malaysia is obliged to follow the UNESCO guidelines to protect and preserve the old buildings with proper conservation Criterion (ii): George Town and Melaka represent exceptional examples guidelines and enforcement of regulations. of multi-cultural trading towns in East and Southeast Asia, forged from the mercantile and exchanges of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures and In April 2010, the Penang State Government set up George Town World three successive European colonial powers, each with its imprints on the Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) to protect, promote and preserve George architecture and urban form, technology and monumental art. Both towns Town as a sustainable heritage city. GTWHI works in cooperation with the show different stages of development and the successive changes over a federal, state, and local governments, as well as several non-governmental long span of time and are thus complementary. organizations to monitor and execute heritage conservation related activities.

Criterion (iii): George Town and Melaka are living testimony to the multi- To ensure the importance of the WHS is understood, the state agency is tasked cultural heritage and tradition of Asia, and European colonial influences. to work with many partners and collaborators, from conservation specialists This multi-cultural tangible and intangible heritage is expressed in the to various government agencies for better planning, conservation and great variety of religious buildings of different faiths, ethnic quarters, the management of the physical site; consulting historians and arts practitioners many languages, worship and religious festivals, dances, costumes, art and on a program of educational and cultural activities. Research, impact studies, music, food, and daily life. site usage, public awareness, branding, promotion, public transport, tourism, and security must all be given equal attention (GTWHI 2016). Criterion (iv): George Town and Melaka reflect a mixture of influences which have created a unique architecture, culture and townscape without Eventually a comprehensive Conservation Management Plan and Special parallel anywhere in East and South Asia. In particular, they demonstrate Area Plan on the George Town and Melaka World Heritage Site was drafted an exceptional range of shophouses and townhouses. These buildings and submitted to UNESCO in January 2011 (Ministry of Information show many different types and stages of development of the building type, Communications and Culture Malaysia 2011). Measuring 485 pages, it details some originating in the Dutch or Portuguese periods. (UNESCO 2008) every aspect of the conservation, management, implementation, monitoring and guidance expected from a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its broad The integrity of the nominated areas in both towns is related to the presence objective is to facilitate the proper management of the WHS, including the of all the elements necessary to express their Outstanding Universal Values use and development of all buildings, and measures that would enhance the (OUVs) 1, where these properties have retained their authenticity; listed integration of the physical environment, economic wellbeing of its people and monuments and sites have been retained with regards to the design, materials, the demands of growth. The management plan outlines the much needed methodologies, techniques and workmanship. strategies and guidance that would enable and allow changes to take place within a framework of conservation and protection, and at the same time, give 174 Clement Liang UNESCO commented that protective measures for the properties are recognition to the residents and communities living in the site to continue to necessary for George Town, which has exhibited a generally acceptable state live and follow their cultural and social practices. The management plan’s strategies and measures are flexible to allow for changes and further improvement.

George Town, Penang: A Case Study of Using Street Mural Art to Boost Heritage Tourism

A quote from the American Journal of Advertising aptly described street art as “the visual and cognitive effect of commercial advertising, and many of its 174 Clement Liang George Town’s Street Mural Art and Tourism Impact 175 strategies and measures are flexible to allow for changes and further improvement174 . Clement Liang brand dynamics, George Town but carries’s Street messages Mural Art of and enjoyment, Tourism Impact ideological critique, and175 activist exhortation rather than of commercial consumption” (Borghini et al. 2010). While some local people and conservationists prefer the old town Thisstrategies is where and the measures contentious are issue flexible of the to wall allow mural for art changes in the WHS and isfurtherraised brand dynamics, but carries messages of enjoyment, ideological critique, and remains untouched, the authorities, traders and artists are trying hard to push andimprovement addressed. accordingly. The old walls of the shophouses represent an activist exhortation rather than of commercial consumption” (Borghini et al. George Town forward as a place where culture is not just embedded in the integral part of the cultural landscape of George Town and any attempts to 2010). While some local people and conservationists prefer the old town past but progresses to accept new ideas. Historically, George Town boasts alter,This is demolish where the or contentiousdeface any partissue of of the the old wall walls mural can art be in deemed the WHS a violation is raised remains untouched, the authorities, traders and artists are trying hard to push itself as a two-hundred-year old melting pot of cultures between the East and ofand the addressed conditions accordingly stipulated in. The the guidelineold walls( AJMof the Planning shophouses and Design represent Group an George Town forward as a place where culture is not just embedded in the the West, having developed a rich multi-cultural heritage with the influx of 2011integral). Thus, part ofvarious the culturalconditions landscape imposed of Georgeon the wallTown mural and paintingsany attempts in the to past but progresses to accept new ideas. Historically, George Town boasts people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds. In recent years, WHSalter, demolishof George or Town deface were any later part thoughtof the old out walls and executed;can be deemed in particular, a violation the itself as a two-hundred-year old melting pot of cultures between the East and alongside globalization and the popularity of Asian pop art and American processof the conditions to secure stipulated a wall space in the to guideline paint a (pictureAJM Planning on would and require Design official Group the West, having developed a rich multi-cultural heritage with the influx of street culture, the local community’s art scene has inevitably started to absorb sanction,2011). Thus, with various proper conditionsvetting and imposed approval on procedures the wall muralmade paintingsby the Heritag in thee people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds. In recent years, these new elements. The city is at a juncture, looking for a direction of new DepartmentWHS of George of the Town Penang were Municipal later thought Council out .and executed; in particular, the alongside globalization and the popularity of Asian pop art and American growth and a new identity, and the timely expansion in the tourism industry process to secure a wall space to paint a picture on would require official street culture, the local community’s art scene has inevitably started to absorb gives an opportunity for cultural revitalization and economic regeneration Georgesanction, Town, with proper Penang vetting: A Case and Study approval of Usingprocedures Streetmade Mural by Art the toHeritag Booste these new elements. The city is at a juncture, looking for a direction of new that can sustain the livelihoods in the inner city. George Town is seeking a HeritageDepartment Tourism of the Penang Municipal Council. growth and a new identity, and the timely expansion in the tourism industry balance; to guard the main features of its unique traditions and allow new gives an opportunity for cultural revitalization and economic regeneration Towards the end of the 20th century, a noticeable trend in global tourism transformation to take place. George Town, Penang: A Case Study of Using Street Mural Art to Boost that can sustain the livelihoods in the inner city. George Town is seeking a emerged. More “new wave” tourists now preferred to have real cultural Heritage Tourism balance; to guard the main features of its unique traditions and allow new experiences; visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and appreciating art transformation to take place. orTowards learningthe a skillend inof a the local 20 settingth century, become a noticeable the ‘in-thing trend’ in inwhat global is termed tourism as “emergedHeritage. 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In the case of Penang, the focus of Sincetourism its also inscription shifted from as a theUNESCO early days World’ theme Heritage of “Sun, Site Sea in and2008, Shopping George” Townto the currenthas been “Heritagedrawing Tourism the attention”. of tourists who arrive in droves to observe and experience the old world charm of this historic town, where colonialSince its-style inscription bungalows as a UNESCOand traditional World Heritageshophouses Site tippedin 2008, with George red terracottaTown has roofbeens aredrawing mostly the found attention intact of and tourists in large who numbers arrive .in Despite droves the to Figure 1. Lifeless derelict shophouses of George Town. Source: the author. increasingobserve and number experience of tourists the old to worldthe inner charm city, of the this city historic’s lifeless town, old wherestreet scene in the early days of its WHS listing often failed to encourage tourists to In an effort to turn George Town into a more livable and interesting city, in colonial-style bungalows and traditional shophouses tipped with red Figure 1. Lifeless derelict shophouses of George Town. Source: the author. stayterracotta on for roof longers are period mostlys of foundtime or intact to spend and money in large. Souvenir numbers stalls. Despite and cafes the July 2010, the State Government of Penang launched the George Town were few and far between, and years of gentrification still had its grip on the Festival, a month of celebrations filled with international and local cultural increasing number of tourists to the inner city, the city’s lifeless old street In an effort to turn George Town into a more livable and interesting city, in lackluster life of the inner city. events as a way to reinvent the city as a place of arts (GTF 2016). With some scene in the early days of its WHS listing often failed to encourage tourists to July 2010, the State Government of Penang launched the George Town conservative public skepticism, the festival started with full funding from the stay on for longer periods of time or to spend money. Souvenir stalls and cafes Festival, a month of celebrations filled with international and local cultural A quote fromGeorgethe Town American’s Street Journal Mural Art of andAdvertising Tourism Impact aptly described street 175 art state government and managed to grow to regional fame due to the were few and far between, and years of gentrification still had its grip on the events as a way to reinvent the city as a place of arts (GTF 2016). With some as “the visual and cognitive effect of commercial advertising, and many of its mastermind and hard work of a Creative Art Director named Joe Sidek, who lackluster life of the inner city. conservative public skepticism, the festival started with full funding from the brand dynamics, but carries messages of enjoyment, ideological critique, and state government and managed to grow to regional fame due to the activistA quote exhortation from the American rather than Journal of commercial of Advertising consumption aptly described” (Borghinistreet et artal. mastermind and hard work of a Creative Art Director named Joe Sidek, who 2010as “the). visualWhile andsome cognitive local people effect ofand commercial conservationists advertising, prefer and the many old oftown its remains untouched, the authorities, traders and artists are trying hard to push George Town forward as a place where culture is not just embedded in the past but progresses to accept new ideas. Historically, George Town boasts itself as a two-hundred-year old melting pot of cultures between the East and the West, having developed a rich multi-cultural heritage with the influx of people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds. In recent years, alongside globalization and the popularity of Asian pop art and American street culture, the local community’s art scene has inevitably started to absorb these new elements. The city is at a juncture, looking for a direction of new growth and a new identity, and the timely expansion in the tourism industry gives an opportunity for cultural revitalization and economic regeneration that can sustain the livelihoods in the inner city. George Town is seeking a balance; to guard the main features of its unique traditions and allow new transformation to take place.

Figure 1. Lifeless derelict shophouses of George Town. Source: the author.

In an effort to turn George Town into a more livable and interesting city, in July 2010, the State Government of Penang launched the George Town Festival, a month of celebrations filled with international and local cultural events as a way to reinvent the city as a place of arts (GTF 2016). With some conservative public skepticism, the festival started with full funding from the state government and managed to grow to regional fame due to the mastermind and hard work of a Creative Art Director named Joe Sidek, who George Town’s Street Mural Art and Tourism Impact 175 George Town’s Street Mural Art and Tourism Impact 175

brand dynamics, but carries messages of enjoyment, ideological critique, and 174 Clement Liang brandactivist dynamics, exhortation George Town but rather carries’s Street than messages Mural of commercial Art of and enjoyment, Tourism consumption Impact ideological ” (Borghini critique, et and175 al. activist2010). Whileexhortation some rather local thanpeople of commercialand conservationists consumption prefer” (Borghini the old ettown al. 2010). While some local people and conservationists prefer the old town strategies and measures are flexible to allow for changes and further brandremain dynamics,s untouched, but thecarries authorities, messages traders of enjoyment, and artists ideological are trying critique,hard to push and remains untouched, the authorities, traders and artists are trying hard to push improvement. activistGeorge exhortationTown forward rather as athan place of commercialwhere culture consumption is not just ”embedded(Borghini in et theal. 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The city is at a juncture, looking for a direction of new WHS of George Town were later thought out and executed; in particular, the alongsidegrowth andglobalization a new identityand, and the thepopularity timely expansion of Asian inpop the arttourism and American industry growth and a new identity, and the timely expansion in the tourism industry process to secure a wall space to paint a picture on would require official streetgives culture,an opportunity the local for community cultural ’revitalis art scenezation has and inevitably economic started regeneration to absorb gives an opportunity for cultural revitalization and economic regeneration sanction, with proper vetting and approval procedures made by the Heritage thesethat can newsustain elements the . livelihoodThe city iss inat athe juncture inner city, looking. Georgefor Towna direction is seeking of new a that can sustain the livelihoods in the inner city. George Town is seeking a Department of the Penang Municipal Council. growthbalance ;andto guarda new theidentity main, andfeatures the timely of its expansionunique traditions in the tourism and allow industry new balance; to guard the main features of its unique traditions and allow new givestransformation an opportunity to take forplace cultural. revitalization and economic regeneration transformation to take place. George Town, Penang: A Case Study of Using Street Mural Art to Boost that can sustain the livelihoods in the inner city. George Town is seeking a Heritage Tourism balance; to guard the main features of its unique traditions and allow new transformation to take place. Towards the end of the 20th century, a noticeable trend in global tourism emerged. More “new wave” tourists now preferred to have real cultural experiences; visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and appreciating art or learning a skill in a local setting become the ‘in-thing’ in what is termed as “Heritage Tourism” (Heng et al. 2010). In the case of Penang, the focus of tourism also shifted from the early days’ theme of “Sun, Sea and Shopping” to the current “Heritage Tourism”.

Since its inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, George FigureFigure 1.1. LifelessLifeless derelictderelict shophousesshophouses ofof GeorgeGeorge Town.Town . Source: the author. Town has been drawing the attention of tourists who arrive in droves to Source:Figure 1the. Lifeless author. derelict shophouses of George Town. Source: the author. observe and experience the old world charm of this historic town, where In an effort to turn George Town into a more livable and interesting city, in In an effort to turn George Town into a more livable and interesting city, in colonial-style bungalows and traditional shophouses tipped with red FigureJuly 2010, 1. Lifeless the State derelict Government shophousesof ofPenangGeorge launched Town. Source the George: the author Town. terracotta roofs are mostly found intact and in large numbers. Despite the JulyFestival, 2010, a monththe State of celebrationsGovernment filledof Penang with international launched the and George local cultur Townal Festival, a month of celebrations filled with international and local cultural increasing number of tourists to the inner city, the city’s lifeless old street Inevents an effortas a way to turn to reinvent George theTowncity into as aa place more of livable arts ( GTFand interesting2016). With city, some in events as a way to reinvent the city as a place of arts (GTF 2016). With some scene in the early days of its WHS listing often failed to encourage tourists to Julyconservative 2010, the public State skepticism, Government the festivalof Penang started launched with full thefunding George from Town the stay on for longer periods of time or to spend money. Souvenir stalls and cafes conservative public skepticism, the festival started with full funding from the Festival,state176 government a month ofand celebrations managedClement filledto grow Liangwith tointernational regional fameand localdue culturto theal George Town’s Street Mural Art and Tourism Impact 175 state government and managed to grow to regional fame due to the were few and far between, and years of gentrification still had its grip on the eventsmastermindas a way and tohard reinvent work theof acity Creative as a place Art Directorof arts ( GTFnamed 2016 Joe). Sidek,With some who mastermind and hard work of a Creative Art Director named Joe Sidek, who lackluster life of the inner city. conservative public skepticism, the festival started with full funding from the attracted world class artists and music performers to hold world class cultural brand dynamics, but carries messages of enjoyment, ideological critique, and state government and managed to grow to regional fame due to the events in George Town in conjunction with its anniversary celebration of the activistA quote exhortation from the American rather than Journal of commercial of Advertising consumption aptly described” (Borghinistreet et artal. mastermind and hard work of a Creative Art Director named Joe Sidek, who 2010as “the). visualWhile andsome cognitive local people effect ofand commercial conservationists advertising, prefer and the many old oftown its WHS listing. remains untouched, the authorities, traders and artists are trying hard to push George Town forward as a place where culture is not just embedded in the In 2011, street art became a prominent addition to George Town’s cultural past but progresses to accept new ideas. Historically, George Town boasts scene when 52 welded wrought iron metal sculptures were introduced and itself as a two-hundred-year old melting pot of cultures between the East and erected in front of the walls or at corners of the streets (with minimal nailing, the West, having developed a rich multi-cultural heritage with the influx of in order to avoid violating the UNESCO guideline on protecting the old people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds. In recent years, buildings) (Penang Global Tourism [PGT] 2016). With the theme “Marking alongside globalization and the popularity of Asian pop art and American George Town”, the sculptures show Penang culture and people in humor- street culture, the local community’s art scene has inevitably started to absorb laced stories and caricatures, drawing visitors and locals alike to appreciate these new elements. The city is at a juncture, looking for a direction of new the images and stories of Penang in the past. growth and a new identity, and the timely expansion in the tourism industry gives an opportunity for cultural revitalization and economic regeneration that can sustain the livelihoods in the inner city. George Town is seeking a balance; to guard the main features of its unique traditions and allow new transformation to take place.

Figure 2. ‘Marking George Town’: The Wrought Iron Artwork, erected in 2011. Source: the author.

In 2012, as part of the officially hosted George Town Festival events, a Lithuanian artist, Ernest Zacharevic, was commissioned by the event Figure 1. Lifeless derelict shophouses of George Town. Source: the author. organizer to create a series of six wall paintings depicting local culture, inhabitants and lifestyles, under the theme “Mirrors George Town” (Lim In an effort to turn George Town into a more livable and interesting city, in 2015). While some conservationists raised concerns over the officially July 2010, the State Government of Penang launched the George Town sanctioned “graffiti art”, which could mar the traditional old streetscape, and Festival, a month of celebrations filled with international and local cultural the risk of using improper painting materials that could damage the delicate events as a way to reinvent the city as a place of arts (GTF 2016). With some wall’s surface, an advisory body Public Art Review Panel (PARP) set up by conservative public skepticism, the festival started with full funding from the GTWHI and the authorities came out with specific guidelines on how these state government and managed to grow to regional fame due to the wall mural artworks would be allowed: 1) The paint used had to be silicate mastermind and hard work of a Creative Art Director named Joe Sidek, who based to allow “wall breathing” or moisture to escape the wall surface; 2) The 176 Clement Liang attracted world class artists and music performers to hold world class cultural events in George Town in conjunction with its anniversary celebration of the 176 Clement Liang WHS listing.

Inattracted 2011, worldstreet classart became artists anda prominent music performers addition to holdGeorge world Town class’s cultural sceneevents whenin George 52 welded Town inwrought conjunction iron metalwith itssculptures anniversary were celebration introduced of andthe erectedWHS listing in front. of the walls or at corners of the streets (with minimal nailing, in order to avoid violating the UNESCO guideline on protecting the old buildingsIn 2011, )street (Penang art becameGlobal Tourisma prominent [PGT addition] 2016). to With George the themeTown ’“sMarking cultural Georgescene when Town 52”, weldedthe sculptures wrought show iron Penangmetal sculptures culture and were people introduced in humor and- lacederected stories in front and of caricatures, the walls or drawing at corners visitors of the andstreets locals (with alike minimal to appreciate nailing, thein orderimages to andavoid stories violatingof Penang the UNESCOin the past .guideline on protecting the old buildings) (Penang Global Tourism [PGT] 2016). With the theme “Marking George Town”, the sculptures show Penang culture and people in humor- laced stories and caricatures, drawing visitors and locals alike to appreciate the images and stories of Penang in the past .

Figure 2. ‘Marking George Town’: The Wrought Iron Artwork, erected in 2011. Figure 2. ‘Marking George Town’: The Wrought Iron Artwork, erected in Source: the author. 2011. Source: the author.

In 2012, as part of the officially hosted George Town Festival events, a LithuanianFigure 2. ‘ Markingartist, Ernest George Zacharevic, Town’: Thewas Wrought commissioned Iron Artwork,by theerected event in organi2011. Sourcezer to :createthe author a series. of six wall paintings depicting local culture, inhabitants and lifestyles, under the theme “Mirrors George Town” (Lim 2015In 2012,). While as part some of theconservationists officially hosted raised George concerns Town over Festival the officiallyevents, a sanctionedLithuanian “artistgraffiti, Ernestart”, which Zacharevic, could marwas the traditionalcommissioned old streetscapeby the event, and theorgani riskzer of tousing create improper a series painting of six materialswall paintings that could depicting damage local the delicateculture, wallinhabitants’s surface and, an lifestyles advisory, underbody Publicthe theme Art Review “Mirrors Panel George(PARP Town) set” up(Lim by GTWHI2015). While and the some authorities conservationists came out withraised specific concerns guidelines over theon howofficially these George Town’s Street Mural Art and Tourism Impact 177 wallsanctioned mural “artgraffitiworks artwould”, which be allowedcould mar: 1 )theThe traditional paint used old had streetscape to be silicate, and basedthe risk to ofallow using “wall improper breathing painting” or moisture materials to thatescape could the damagewall surface the delicate; 2) The artwall work’s surface was non, an- padvisoryermanent body and hadPublic to be Art easily Review removable Panel (withPARP no) structuralset up by damageGTWHI causedand the and authorities; 3) Special came permission out with hadspecific to be guidelines obtained inon advancehow these to putwall upmural the artmuralworks artwould in public be allowed spaces: 1(Lee) The 2014; paint GTWHIused had 2014to be) .silicateThese measuresbased to allow were “ takenwall breathing to minimi” orze moisturethe risk toof escapewall damage the walland surface to limit; 2) Thethe number of wall mural arts allowed in a specific area. They also effectively halted further criticism of supposed non-compliance to the WHS guidelines, as silicate paints were recommended for use on the old lime-plaster walls. Opposition voices were few and they did not cause any major obstacles to the street mural art appearing on the old walls.

Figure 3. ‘Mirrors George Town’ by Earnest Zacharevic. Source: the author.

Ernest Zacharevic painted pictures of Asian children on the walls, with extra gadgets such as half bicycles and a chair mounted in front the pictures to create illusive, three dimensional art works in several strategic spots across George Town. Minimal or virtually no damage was caused to the old walls and the painting process was widely reported in local newspapers. Many tourists found such expressions of Asian faces on the wall refreshing and unique to this part of the world. One artwork, ‘Boy on Motorcycle’ which combined a real bike installation and a child wall painting, allows spectators to interact with the art work. The masterpiece, ‘Children on a Bicycle’, at the junction of Armenian Street and Beach Street, has become one of the most photographed spots in Penang and has been voted as one of the best pictures in the world by The Guardian (Spender et al. 2013). The street artwork now stands as a celebrated cultural landmark of George Town, complete with name plaques and often long queues of people waiting to have their photograph taken with these pictures. George Town’s Street Mural Art and Tourism Impact 177

George Town’s Street Mural Art and Tourism Impact 177 176 Clement Liang George Town’s Street Mural Art and Tourism Impact 177 art work was non-permanent and had to be easily removable with no structural damage caused and; 3) Special permission had to be obtained in advance to art work was non-permanent and had to be easily removable with no structural attracted world class artists and music performers to hold world class cultural artput work up the was muralnon-p ermanentart in public and hadspaces to be( Leeeasily 2014; removable GTWHI with 2014 no structural). These damage caused and; 3) Special permission had to be obtained in advance to events in George Town in conjunction with its anniversary celebration of the damagemeasures caused were takenand; 3 to) Special minimi permissionze the risk hadof wall to be damage obtainedand in toadvance limit the to put up the mural art in public spaces (Lee 2014; GTWHI 2014). These WHS listing. putnumber up theof wallmural mural art inarts public allowed spaces in a specific(Lee 2014; area GTWHI. They also 2014 effectively). These measures were taken to minimize the risk of wall damage and to limit the measureshalted further were criticism taken to of minimi supposedze thenon risk-compliance of wall damage to the WHSand toguideline limit thes, number of wall mural arts allowed in a specific area. They also effectively In 2011, street art became a prominent addition to George Town’s cultural numberas silicate of paintswall mural were artsrecommended allowed in fora specific use on areathe .old They limealso-plaster effectively walls. halted further criticism of supposed non-compliance to the WHS guidelines, scene when 52 welded wrought iron metal sculptures were introduced and haltedOpposition further voices criticism were offew supposed and theynon did- compliancenot cause any to major the WHS obstacle guidelines to thes, as silicate paints were recommended for use on the old lime-plaster walls. erected in front of the walls or at corners of the streets (with minimal nailing, asstreet silicate mural paints art appearing were recommendedon the old walls for .use on the old lime-plaster walls. Opposition voices were few and they did not cause any major obstacles to the in order to avoid violating the UNESCO guideline on protecting the old Opposition voices were few and they did not cause any major obstacles to the street mural art appearing on the old walls. buildings) (Penang Global Tourism [PGT] 2016). With the theme “Marking street mural art appearing on the old walls. George Town”, the sculptures show Penang culture and people in humor- laced stories and caricatures, drawing visitors and locals alike to appreciate the images and stories of Penang in the past.

Figure 3.3. ‘Mirrors‘Mirrors George George Town’ Town ’byby Earnest Earnest Zacharevic. Zacharevic . Source: the author. Source: the author. Figure 3. ‘Mirrors George Town’ by Earnest Zacharevic. Source: the author. FigureErnest Zacharevic 3. ‘Mirrors paintedGeorge picturesTown’ by of EarnestAsian children Zacharevic on the. Source walls:,thewith author extra. gadgets such as half bicycles and a chair mounted in front the pictures to Ernest Zacharevic painted pictures of Asian children on the walls, with extra Ernestcreate illusive,Zacharevic three painted dimensional pictures art of workAsians childrenin several on strategic the walls spots, with across extra gadgets such as half bicycles and a chair mounted in front the pictures to gadgetsGeorge Townsuch .as Minimal half bicycles or virtually and a nochair damage mounted was incaused front to the the pictures old wallsto Figure 2. ‘Marking George Town’: The Wrought Iron Artwork, erected in create illusive, three dimensional art works in several strategic spots across createand the illusive, painting three process dimensional was widely art work reporteds in several in local strategicnewspapers spots. acrossMany 2011. Source: the author. George Town. Minimal or virtually no damage was caused to the old walls Georgetourists Townfound. suchMinimal expressions or virtually of Asianno damage faces wason thecaused wall to refreshing the old walls and and the painting process was widely reported in local newspapers. Many andunique the to painting this part process of the wasworld widely. One artwork,reported ‘inBoy local on Motorcyclenewspapers’. whichMany In 2012, as part of the officially hosted George Town Festival events, a tourists found such expressions of Asian faces on the wall refreshing and touristscombined found a real such bike expressions installation ofand Asian a chi ldfaces wall on painting, the wall allows refreshing spectators and Lithuanian artist, Ernest Zacharevic, was commissioned by the event unique to this part of the world. One artwork, ‘Boy on Motorcycle’ which uniqueto interact to thiswith part the artof workthe world. The. masterpiece,One artwork,‘Children‘Boy on onMotorcycle a Bicycle’’,whichat the organizer to create a series of six wall paintings depicting local culture, combined a real bike installation and a child wall painting, allows spectators combinedjunction of a Armenianreal bike installation Street and andBeach a chi Streetld wall, has painting, become allows one of spectatorsthe most inhabitants and lifestyles, under the theme “Mirrors George Town” (Lim to interact with the art work. The masterpiece, ‘Children on a Bicycle’, at the tophotographed interact with spots the art in workPenang. The andmasterpiece, has been voted‘Children as one on of athe Bicycle best pictures’, at the 2015). While some conservationists raised concerns over the officially junction of Armenian Street and Beach Street, has become one of the most junctionin the world of Armenian by The Guardian Street and (Spender Beach etStreet al. 2013, has). becomeThe street one artwork of the mostnow sanctioned “graffiti art”, which could mar the traditional old streetscape, and photographed spots in Penang and has been voted as one of the best pictures photographedstands as a celebrated spots in Penang cultural and landmark has been of voted George as one Town, of the complete best pictures with the risk of using improper painting materials that could damage the delicate in the world by The Guardian (Spender et al. 2013). The street artwork now inname the worldplaques by andThe Guardianoften long (Spender queues et of al .people2013). Thewaitingstreet to artwork have theirnow wall’s surface, an advisory body Public Art Review Panel (PARP) set up by stands as a celebrated cultural landmark of George Town, complete with standsphotographas a takencelebrated with thesecultural pictures landmark. of George Town, complete with GTWHI and the authorities came out with specific guidelines on how these name plaques and often long queues of people waiting to have their name plaques and often long queues of people waiting to have their wall mural artworks would be allowed: 1) The paint used had to be silicate photograph taken with these pictures. photograph taken with these pictures. based to allow “wall breathing” or moisture to escape the wall surface; 2) The 178 Clement Liang

Zacharevic received worldwide recognition after creating these street art murals,178 using images depict scenesClement of everyday Liang life using local people as the models, with the BBC calling him Malaysia's answer to Banksy (BBC Trending 2013). Zacharevic received worldwide recognition after creating these street art murals, using images depict scenes of everyday life using local people as the models, with the BBC calling him Malaysia's answer to Banksy (BBC Trending 2013).

Figure 4. The immensely popular mural art: “Children on a Bicycle”. Source: the author.

In the following years, different groups of artists were commissioned to paint Figure 4. The immensely popular mural art: “Children on a Bicycle”. a limitedFigure number4. The immensely of street murals popular, with mural themes art: like“Children “101 Stray on a BicycleCats”, in”. other Source: the author. parts Source of George: the author Town. . The artistic charm and the social messages conveyed by these murals have successfully promoted Penang’s contemporary culture ontoIn the the following internationalyears , platform,different groupswhile Zacharevic of artists were’s mural commissioned paintings toare paint fast gaininga limited popularity number of amo streetng muralslocals ,andwith overseas themes tourists,like “101 especially Stray Cats those”, in otherfrom Asianparts of countries George. TownSo synonymous. The artisticis charmthe street and mural the social art with messages George conveyed Town’s tourismby these muralsicon,that have the successfully state government promoted tourism Penang ’boards contemporary, Penang Globalculture Tourismonto the ,internationaland private advertisers platform,,whileprinted Zacharevic thousands’ sof mural free tourist paintings maps are based fast ongaining the artworks popularity, for amo touristsng locals to follow and overseasand embark tourists,upon especiallysuggested trailsthose whilefrom theyAsiandiscover countriesthe. Sowall synonymous murals scatteredis the in street George mural Town art (withPGT George 2016). TouristsTown’s tendtourism to poseiconwith,that the thewall state pictures government and upload tourism their photographsboard, Penangto Facebook Global orTourism other social, and private media advertisersplatforms as, printed proofs thousandsof being there of free. Meanwhile,tourist maps souvenir based stallson the andartworks shops, foron touristsevery tostreet follow corner and embark sell notebooks,upon suggestedT- shirts, trails fridgewhile they discover the wall murals scattered in George Town (PGT 2016). Tourists tend to pose with the wall pictures and upload their photographs to Facebook or other social media platforms as proofs of being there. Meanwhile, souvenir stalls and shops on every street corner sell notebooks, T- shirts, fridge 178 Clement Liang

Zacharevic received worldwide recognition after creating these street art murals, using images depict scenes of everyday life using local people as the models, with the BBC calling him Malaysia's answer to Banksy (BBC Trending 2013).

Figure 4. The immensely popular mural art: “Children on a Bicycle”. Source: the author.

In the following years, different groups of artists were commissioned to paint a limited number of street murals, with themes like “101 Stray Cats”, in other parts of George Town. The artistic charm and the social messages conveyed by these murals have successfully promoted Penang’s contemporary culture onto the international platform, while Zacharevic’s mural paintings are fast gaining popularity among locals and overseas tourists, especially those from Asian countries. So synonymous is the street mural art with George Town’s tourism icon,that the state government tourism board, Penang Global Tourism, and private advertisers, printed thousands of free tourist maps based on the artworks, for tourists to follow and embark upon suggested trails while George Town’s Street Mural Art and Tourism Impact 179 they discover the wall murals scattered in George Town (PGT 2016). Tourists tend to pose with the wall pictures and upload their photographs to Facebook George Town’s Street Mural Art and Tourism Impact 179 ormagnets, other social key mediachains,platforms postcards as andproofs every of beingother thereimaginable. Meanwhile, knick souvenir- knack George Town’s Street Mural Art and Tourism Impact 179 178 Clement Liang stallsbearing and one shops or all ofon Zaeverycherevic street’s creationscorner .sell notebooks, T- shirts, fridge magnets, key chains, postcards and every other imaginable knick- knack magnets,bearing one key or chains,all of Za postcardscherevic’ s andcreations every. other imaginable knick- knack Zacharevic received worldwide recognition after creating these street art bearing one or all of Zacherevic’s creations. murals, using images depict scenes of everyday life using local people as the models, with the BBC calling him Malaysia's answer to Banksy (BBC Trending 2013).

Figure 5. Tourist map and souvenirs to trace the street mural arts. Source: the author. Figure 5. Tourist map and souvenirs to trace the street mural arts. Figure 5. Tourist map and souvenirs to trace the street mural arts. OnSourcethe :Tripadvisorthe author. website, the Street Art in George Town is rated No. 4 out Source:Figure the5. Tourist author. map and souvenirs to trace the street mural arts. Sourceof the 199: the things author to. do in Penang, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5, a testimonyOn the Tripadvisor to its tremendous website, the popularity Street Art among in George tourists Town(Tripadvisor is rated No 2017. 4 out). OnMoreof thethe than 199Tripadvisor 400things reviews to website do arein Penang, recordedthe Street, withunder Art an in thisaverage George particular ratingTown entry, ofis rated4.5 higher out No of. 4 than 5,out a ofmosttestimony the other 199 totouristthingsits tremendous attractionsto do in Penang inpopularity Penang, with. Someamongan average of tourists the ratingcomments(Tripadvisor of 4 .found5 out onof2017 5,th is).a testimonywebsiteMore than are to400: its reviews tremendous are recorded popularityunder amongthis particulartourists (Tripadvisor entry, higher 2017 than). Moremost otherthan tourist400 reviews attractions are recorded in Penangunder. Somethis of particular the comments entry, found higher on than this mostwebsite “otherReally are tourist: great attractions idea to have in thePenang street. Some art dotted of the around comments so you found can explore on this and tick them off as you go along. Really enjoyed looking for them and Figure 4. The immensely popular mural art: “Children on a Bicycle”. website are: taking“Really photos great .idea Some to ofhave the the streets street have art dotted really aroundtrendy cafesso you and can shops explore - a Source: the author. “greatReallyandReally tick area great greatthem to ideaexplore ideaoff toas to have youandhave golookthe the along street streetfor .th Really arteart art dotteddotted!” enjoyed aroundaround looking so you for can them explore and taking photos. Some of the streets have really trendy cafes and shops - a In the following years, different groups of artists were commissioned to paint and tick them off asas youyou gogo alongalong.. ReallyReally enjoyed enjoyed looking looking for for them them and and “greatStreet area was to interestingexplore and and look qui forte variedthe art.!” Sometimes there was a bike in a limited number of street murals, with themes like “101 Stray Cats”, in other taking photosphotos.. SomeSome ofof thethe streets streets have have really really trendy trendy cafes cafes and and shops shops - a- the wall or cats in window frames, art pieces everywhere you went. It parts of George Town. The artistic charm and the social messages conveyed greata great area area to toexplore explore and and look look for for the the art !”art! was“Street qui twase hot interesting so definitely and wequiatre protectionvaried. Sometimes. You can therehire bikeswas a for bike 1 orin by these murals have successfully promoted Penang’s contemporary culture upthe towall 6 people or cats to in ride window around frames, the area art to piecessee all everywherethe art work you.” went. It onto the international platform, while Zacharevic’s mural paintings are fast “StreetStreet was was interesting interesting and and quite quite varied.varied. SometimesSometimes there was a bike inin was quite hot so definitely wear protection. You can hire bikes for 1 or gaining popularity among locals and overseas tourists, especially those from the wall or cats in window frames, art pieces everywhere youyou wentwent.. ItIt “upPenang to 6 people Street to Art ride has around become the famousarea to seeand all is thenow art being work imitated.” in a Asian countries. So synonymous is the street mural art with George Town’s was quiquitete hot so definitely we wearar protection protection.. You You can can hire hire bikes bikes for for 1 1or or few other Malaysian cities as well. Most pieces of well-known street art tourism icon,that the state government tourism board, Penang Global up to 6 people toto rideride aroundaround the the area area to to see see all all the the art art work work..” work“Penang in StreetPenang Art were has becomeexecuted famous by Lithuanianand is now bornbeing artistimitated Ernest in a Tourism, and private advertisers, printed thousands of free tourist maps based Zacharevicfew other Malaysian.” cities as well. Most pieces of well-known street art on the artworks, for tourists to follow and embark upon suggested trails while “PenangPenang Street Street Art Art has has become become famousfamous andand isis nownow being imitated in aa work in Penang were executed by Lithuanian born artist Ernest they discover the wall murals scattered in George Town (PGT 2016). Tourists few otherother MalaysianMalaysian cities cities as as well well.. Most Most pieces pieces of ofwell well-known-known street street art Zacharevic.” tend to pose with the wall pictures and upload their photographs to Facebook workart work in inPenang Penang were were executed executed by by Lithuanian Lithuanian bornborn artistartist Ernest or other social media platforms as proofs of being there. Meanwhile, souvenir ZacharevicZacharevic..” stalls and shops on every street corner sell notebooks, T- shirts, fridge 180 Clement Liang George Town’s Street Mural Art and Tourism Impact 181 180 Clement Liang “AA tastefultasteful and and diverse diverse range range of of art art liveslives betweenbetween the walls and buildingsbuildings is the case with many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, George Town now had of PenangPenang.. It'sIt’s aa delightdelight toto seesee thethe citycity appreciateappreciate its its street street art art culture culture.. A A “A tasteful and diverse range of art lives between the walls and buildings a big draw card to attract tourists and it saw an unprecedented increase in casual strollstroll ofof manymany streets streets reveal reveal surprising surprising installations installations..” tourist arrival numbers. of Penang. It's a delight to see the city appreciate its street art culture. A casual stroll of many streets reveal surprising installations.” “CameCame to to Penang Penang for for the the streetstreet artart and waswas not disappointeddisappointed!! YouYou reallyreally A marked increase in arrivals is noticed between 2013 and 2014, where feelfeel likelike you you are are participating participating in a treasurein a treasure quest alongquest with along other with tourists, other “Came to Penang for the street art and was not disappointed! You really double digit growth was recorded from several Asian countries. The cameratourists, and camera map inand hands map. Ain little hands. tip Awould little be tip to would start a bebit toearly start to abeat bit feel like you are participating in a treasure quest along with other tourists, popularity of the street mural art could be one of the contributing factors, as theearly crowd, to beat and the bringcrowd, a andhat bringand watera hat andwith water you, with or just you, stop or just by stopthe camera and map in hands. A little tip would be to start a bit early to beat a search on social media finds numerous reporting and sharing of the street nubymerous the numerous coffee (coffeesic)” (i bidsic( .)) .(ibid.). the crowd, and bring a hat and water with you, or just stop by the art starting from 2013, a year after Zacharevic completed his series of mural numerous coffee (sic)” (ibid.). paintings in George Town. Reading from the comments above, a common reaction from the tourists is the surprise and excitement as they discovered the street mural paintings with Reading from the comments above, a common reaction from the tourists is The table below shows the visitor arrivals according to the top source strong local Asian flavors. Themes like children on a bicycle, stray cats, and the surprise and excitement as they discovered the street mural paintings with countries. a sleepy trishaw man are common scenes in George Town but in the eyes of strong local Asian flavors. Themes like children on a bicycle, stray cats, and outsiders, they represent the unique features of local culture. Taking photos a sleepy trishaw man are common scenes in George Town but in the eyes of Table 1. Number of Top Direct Arrivals via Penang International Airport with the mural art is considered a fun way to appreciate local culture. outsiders, they represent the unique features of local culture. Taking photos 2010 - 2014. with the mural art is considered a fun way to appreciate local culture. 800 Arrivals 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Increase Ave. by Direct btw Increase 800750 Flights 2013- over 5 718 2014 years 700 750 Indonesia 192404 238643 230395 232423 286896 +23% +49% 671 718 700650 Singapore 96400 113993 104855 110323 144368 +30% +50% 629 China 31325 46517 45598 43934 61095 +39% +95% 607 614 671 650600 Japan 22668 29015 25215 26325 30927 +17% +36% 629 614 600550 of Number Arrivals ('000) 607 Thailand 16442 17009 17930 17685 19590 +11% +19% Australia 16687 20053 18395 19218 20712 +7% +24%

500 of Number Arrivals ('000) 550 Source: Penang in Numbers, 2014/2015. 464 464 500450 448 464 464 World Heritage Listing in A New Cultural Phenomanon in Asia? 450400 448 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011World2012 Heritage2013 Listing2014 2015 in 2016 400 To gauge the interest and perception of George Town’s tourists on the street th 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 mural art, a street survey was conducted on Sunday morning, 16 April, 2017, . Total international visitors via Penang International Airport, Figure 6 where the well-known “Children on a Bicycle” is located on Armenian Street. Figure 2007 6.2014 Total. S ourceinternational: George, visitors2015. via Penang International Airport, Figure– 6. Total international visitors via Penang International Airport, The tourists were counted according to their ethnic background, i.e. Asian or 2007 – 2014. Source: Used with permission from George 2015. 2007 – 2014. Source: George, 2015. Caucasian and separated into those who took the photos with the “Children As expected, there was a large hike in tourism arrivals after the WHS listing on a Bicycle” and those who did not. The statistics were compiled as follows. in 2008. Figure 6 lists the 2007–2014 statistics, compiled by the Immigration As expected, there was a large hike in tourism arrivals after the WHS listing Department at Penang International Airport on the number of direct arrivals An interesting observation can be made based on the enthusiasm of the in 2008. Figure 6 lists the 2007–2014 statistics, compiled by the Immigration of foreigners (excluding transit via Kuala Lumpur International Airport). As tourists who posed and snapped photographs with the street mural art in Department at Penang International Airport on the number of direct arrivals of foreigners (excluding transit via Kuala Lumpur International Airport). As George Town’s Street Mural Art and Tourism Impact 181 180 Clement Liang George Town’s Street Mural Art and Tourism Impact 181

is the case with many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, George Town now had “A tasteful and diverse range of art lives between the walls and buildings is the case with many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, George Town now had a big draw card to attract tourists and it saw an unprecedented increase in of Penang. It's a delight to see the city appreciate its street art culture. A a big draw card to attract tourists and it saw an unprecedented increase in tourist arrival numbers. casual stroll of many streets reveal surprising installations.” tourist arrival numbers.

A marked increase in arrivals is noticed between 2013 and 2014, where “Came to Penang for the street art and was not disappointed! You really A marked increase in arrivals is noticed between 2013 and 2014, where double digit growth was recorded from several Asian countries. The feel like you are participating in a treasure quest along with other tourists, double digit growth was recorded from several Asian countries. The popularity of the street mural art could be one of the contributing factors, as camera and map in hands. A little tip would be to start a bit early to beat popularity of the street mural art could be one of the contributing factors, as a search on social media finds numerous reporting and sharing of the street the crowd, and bring a hat and water with you, or just stop by the a search on social media finds numerous reporting and sharing of the street art starting from 2013, a year after Zacharevic completed his series of mural numerous coffee (sic)” (ibid.). art starting from 2013, a year after Zacharevic completed his series of mural paintings in George Town. paintings in George Town. Reading from the comments above, a common reaction from the tourists is The table below shows the visitor arrivals according to the top source the surprise and excitement as they discovered the street mural paintings with The table below shows the visitor arrivals according to the top source countries. strong local Asian flavors. Themes like children on a bicycle, stray cats, and countries. a sleepy trishaw man are common scenes in George Town but in the eyes of Table 1. Number of Top Direct Arrivals via Penang International Airport outsiders, they represent the unique features of local culture. Taking photos Table 1. Number of Top Direct Arrivals via Penang International Airport 2010 - 2014. with the mural art is considered a fun way to appreciate local culture. 2010 - 2014.

Arrivals 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Increase Ave. Arrivals 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Increase Ave. 800 by Direct btw Increase by Direct btw Increase Flights 2013- over 5 750 Flights 2013- over 5 2014 years 718 2014 years 700 Indonesia 192404 238643 230395 232423 286896 +23% +49% Indonesia 192404 238643 230395 232423 286896 +23% +49% 671 Singapore 96400 113993 104855 110323 144368 +30% +50% 650 Singapore 96400 113993 104855 110323 144368 +30% +50% China 31325 46517 45598 43934 61095 +39% +95% 629 China 31325 46517 45598 43934 61095 +39% +95% 607 614 Japan 22668 29015 25215 26325 30927 +17% +36% 600 Japan 22668 29015 25215 26325 30927 +17% +36% Thailand 16442 17009 17930 17685 19590 +11% +19% Thailand 16442 17009 17930 17685 19590 +11% +19%

Number of of Number Arrivals ('000) Thailand 16442 17009 17930 17685 19590 +11% +19% 550 Australia 16687 20053 18395 19218 20712 +7% +24% Australia 16687 20053 18395 19218 20712 +7% +24% 500 Source: Penang in Numbers, 2014/2015. Source:Source: PenangPenang inin Numbers, 2014/2015.2014/2015. 450 464 464 448 A New Cultural Phenomanon in Asia? World Heritage Listing in A New Cultural Phenomanon in Asia? 400 To gauge the interest and perception of George Town’s tourists on the street 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 To gauge the interest and perception of George Town’s tourists on the street mural art, a street survey was conducted on Sunday morning, 16th April, 2017, mural art, a street survey was conducted on Sunday morning, 16th April, 2017, . Total international visitors via Penang International Airport, where the well-known “Children on a Bicycle” is located on Armenian Street. Figure 6 where the well-known “Children on a Bicycle” is located on Armenian Street. The tourists were counted according to their ethnic background, i.e. Asian or 2007 – 2014. Source: George, 2015. The tourists were counted according to their ethnic background, i.e. Asian or Caucasian and separated into those who took the photos with the “Children Caucasian and separated into those who took the photos with the “Children on a Bicycle” and those who did not. The statistics were compiled as follows. As expected, there was a large hike in tourism arrivals after the WHS listing on a Bicycle” and those who did not. The statistics were compiled as follows. in 2008. Figure 6 lists the 2007–2014 statistics, compiled by the Immigration An interesting observation can be made based on the enthusiasm of the Department at Penang International Airport on the number of direct arrivals An interesting observation can be made based on the enthusiasm of the tourists who posed and snapped photographs with the street mural art in of foreigners (excluding transit via Kuala Lumpur International Airport). As tourists who posed and snapped photographs with the street mural art in 182 Clement Liang 182 Clement Liang George Town’s Street Mural Art and Tourism Impact 183

George Town; a higher percentage were found to be Asians, at 58%. On the George Town;; aa higher percentage werere foundfound toto bebe Asians,, at 58%. On the scenes in Europe and America, where tourists who are willing to queue up other hand, Caucasian tourists showed much less interest in posing with the other hand, Caucasian tourists showed much less interest inin posingposing with the and pose for cute snapshots are rarely seen in the media, perhaps a result of street art. streetstreet artart.. the manifestation of the ‘cutie-look’ or ‘I’ve Been There’ socio-cultural behaviors commonly found among Asian tourists. Table 2. Number and Type of Tourists posing for photos with Wall Mural Art. Table 2. Number and Type of Tourists posing for photos with Wall Mural Art..

Photo- Number Number Percentage Number of Number of Percentage Thirty random tourists were interviewed on the reasons why they posed with Photo-- Numberumber Numberumber Percentage Number ofof Number ofof Percentage taking with of of of Photo Caucasians Caucasians of Photo the street mural art and why not. The common answers are summarized takingtaking withwith ofof ofof ofof Photo Caucasians Caucasians ofof Photo “Children Asians Asians taking by who took who taking by ““Children Asians Asians takingtaking byby who tooktook who takingtaking byby below. on who who Asian photos passed by Caucasian onon who who Asian photophotoss paspassedsed byby Caucasian Bicycle” took passed tourists with the without tourists Bicycle”” tooktook paspassedsed touriststourists with thethe without touriststourists Spill Over Effects of Street Mural Art in George Town mural art photos by mural art taking a mural art photophotoss byby mural art takingtaking aa on with the without photo onon with thethe without photophoto 16/04/2017 mural taking a One of consequences of the popular street art phenomena in George Town, is 1616//0404//20172017 mural takingtaking aa art photo the burgeoning number of art galleries that attract tourists to take photos with artart photophoto Total 478 346 58.0% 12 82 12.7% objects or illusive wall murals painted with three-dimensional effects. Since Total 478478 346346 5858..00% 1212 8282 1212..77% 2012, the Made-In-Penang Interactive Museum, 3-D Art Gallery, Time Overall, the tourists found the street mural art interesting and integrated well Tunnel Museum, Trick Art Museum, Upside Down Museum and other fun Overall,, thethe touriststourists foundfound thethe streetstreet muralmural artart interestinginteresting andand integratedintegrated wellwell with the open public space, providing appropriate meaning and a local art galleries have established their footholds in Penang, to cash in on the with the open public space,, providing appropriate meaning and a locallocal cultural flavor to the area. Posing and taking photograph with the street mural ‘selfie’ and photo-posing craze of tourists (Anuar 2017). Some of the interior cultural flavor to the area.. Posing and taking photograph with the street mural art was an interesting behavior, observed of many Asian visitors, especially walls of budget hotel rooms, backpacker hostels, cafes and restaurants in the art was an interesting behavior, observed of many Asian visitors, especially those who were willing to queue up patiently to take their photos. This long- old town area are also donned with street mural art designs, something that thosethose whowho werere willingwilling toto queuequeue upup patientlypatiently toto taketake theirtheir photosphotos.. This long-- queue photo-posing phenomenon contrasts sharply with the street mural art was unimaginable a decade ago. In addition, increasing numbers of bicycle queue photo--posing phenomenon contrasts sharplysharply withwith thethe streetstreet muralmural artart rental shops are operating in the old town area, providing tourists with the Table 3. Respondents’ Answers (can be more than one). opportunity to ride in the narrow streets searching for the various street mural Table 3. Respondents’’ Answers ((can be more than one)).. artworks. There are free maps and occasionally tour guides or taxi drivers that Response Number of can lead the tourists to locate the street mural paintings; something akin to a Response Number of Respondents treasure hunt. Respondents Yes, I looked cute with the mural art 13 Yes, I looked cute with the mural art 13 Yes, it was like posing in a movie scene 9 Yes, it was like posing in a movie scene 9 Contemporary art culture began to blossom in George Town, and the annual Yes, since others are doing it, I’m queuing as well 18 Yes, since others are doing it, I’’m queuing as well 18 George Town Festival seemed to catalyze a new set-up of arts centers, and Yes, I want to show my friends that I have been to 18 increasing numbers of cultural events. Popular venues like Penangpac, Yes, I want to show my friends that I have been to 18 this famous place SinKeh, the Hin Bus Depot, State Museum and Art Gallery, and Whiteaway thisthis famousfamous placeplace Yes, I have heard so much about it and it is fun to be 21 Arcade, host frequent art exhibitions and cultural performances with artists Yes, I have heard so much about it and it is fun to be 21 seen with it seenseen withwith itit coming from overseas and other Malaysian states. In addition, the street mural Yes, it represents the culture of Penang 23 Yes, it represents the culture of Penang 23 art scene has grown beyond the boundaries of George Town. Similar styles No, the queue is too long 8 No, the queue is too long 8 of street mural art depicting the lives of the local populace is noticed in No, I look silly with such wall murals 4 No, II looklook sillysilly withwith suchsuch wallwall muralsmurals 4 neighboring towns like Taiping, Ipoh, Alor Setar in Northern Malaysia and No, I’m not the type to take my own photo in a street 12 No, I’’m not the type to take my own photo in a street 12 Songkhla in Thailand; all trying to emulate the success street art has had in attracting tourists and revitalizing old town cultural activities. 182 Clement Liang 182 Clement Liang George Town’s Street Mural Art and Tourism Impact 183

George Town; a higher percentage were found to be Asians, at 58%. On the George Town; a higher percentage were found to be Asians, at 58%. On the scenes in Europe and America, where tourists who are willing to queue up other hand, Caucasian tourists showed much less interest in posing with the streetother hand,art. Caucasian tourists showed much less interest in posing with the and pose for cute snapshots are rarely seen in the media, perhaps a result of street art. the manifestation of the ‘cutie-look’ or ‘I’ve Been There’ socio-cultural Table 2. Number and Type of Tourists posing for photos with Wall Mural Art. behaviors commonly found among Asian tourists. Table 2. Number and Type of Tourists posing for photos with Wall Mural Art. Photo- Number Number Percentage Number of Number of Percentage Thirty random tourists were interviewed on the reasons why they posed with takingPhoto with- Numberof Numberof Percentageof Photo CaucasiansNumber of CaucasiansNumber of Percentageof Photo the street mural art and why not. The common answers are summarized taking with of of of Photo Caucasians Caucasians of Photo “Children Asians Asians taking by who took who taking by below. “Childrenon Asianswho Asianswho takingAsian by whophoto tooks paswhosed by Caucasiantaking by Bicycleon ” tookwho paswhosed touristsAsian withphoto thes paswithoutsed by Caucasiantourists muralBicycle art” phototooks pasbysed tourists muralwith the art takingwithout a tourists Spill Over Effects of Street Mural Art in George Town muralon art withphoto thes withoutby mural art takingphoto a 16/04on/2017 withmural the takingwithout a photo One of consequences of the popular street art phenomena in George Town, is 16/04/2017 muralart takingphoto a the burgeoning number of art galleries that attract tourists to take photos with art photo Total 478 346 58.0% 12 82 12.7% objects or illusive wall murals painted with three-dimensional effects. Since Total 478 346 58.0% 12 82 12.7% 2012, the Made-In-Penang Interactive Museum, 3-D Art Gallery, Time Overall, the tourists found the street mural art interesting and integrated well Tunnel Museum, Trick Art Museum, Upside Down Museum and other fun Overall, the tourists found the street mural art interesting and integrated well with the open public space, providing appropriate meaning and a local art galleries have established their footholds in Penang, to cash in on the with the open public space, providing appropriate meaning and a local cultural flavor to the area. Posing and taking photograph with the street mural ‘selfie’ and photo-posing craze of tourists (Anuar 2017). Some of the interior cultural flavor to the area. Posing and taking photograph with the street mural art was an interesting behavior, observed of many Asian visitors, especially walls of budget hotel rooms, backpacker hostels, cafes and restaurants in the art was an interesting behavior, observed of many Asian visitors, especially those who were willing to queue up patiently to take their photos. This long- old town area are also donned with street mural art designs, something that those who were willing to queue up patiently to take their photos. This long- queue photo-posing phenomenon contrasts sharply with the street mural art was unimaginable a decade ago. In addition, increasing numbers of bicycle queue photo-posing phenomenon contrasts sharply with the street mural art rental shops are operating in the old town area, providing tourists with the Table 3. Respondents’ Answers (can be more than one). opportunity to ride in the narrow streets searching for the various street mural Table 3. Respondents’ Answers (can be more than one). artworks. There are free maps and occasionally tour guides or taxi drivers that Response Number of can lead the tourists to locate the street mural paintings; something akin to a Response Number of Respondents treasure hunt. Yes, I looked cute with the mural art Respondents13 Yes, I looked cute with the mural art 13 Yes, it was like posing in a movie scene 9 Contemporary art culture began to blossom in George Town, and the annual Yes, sinceit was others like posing are doing in a movieit, I’m queuingscene as well 189 Yes, since others are doing it, I’m queuing as well 18 George Town Festival seemed to catalyze a new set-up of arts centers, and Yes, I want to show my friends that I have been to 18 increasing numbers of cultural events. Popular venues like Penangpac, Yes, I want to show my friends that I have been to 18 this famous place SinKeh, the Hin Bus Depot, State Museum and Art Gallery, and Whiteaway this famous place Yes, I have heard so much about it and it is fun to be 21 Arcade, host frequent art exhibitions and cultural performances with artists seenYes, withI have it heard so much about it and it is fun to be 21 seen with it coming from overseas and other Malaysian states. In addition, the street mural Yes, it represents the culture of Penang 23 art scene has grown beyond the boundaries of George Town. Similar styles No,Yes, the it represents queue is too the long culture of Penang 238 of street mural art depicting the lives of the local populace is noticed in No, theI look queue silly is with too longsuch wall murals 48 neighboring towns like Taiping, Ipoh, Alor Setar in Northern Malaysia and No, I’ lookm not silly the withtype suchto take wall my murals own photo in a street 124 No, I’m not the type to take my own photo in a street 12 Songkhla in Thailand; all trying to emulate the success street art has had in attracting tourists and revitalizing old town cultural activities. 184 Clement Liang

Figure 8. Interactive Art Museums. Source:Figure 8the. Interactive author. Art Museums. Source: the author.

The booming street art phenomenon does not come without a price as there have been reports of vandalism to the mural art, suspected by annoyed residents (Tan 2015). However, the slight damage to Zacharevic’s famous mural art was quickly reported and fixed by the authorities. Traffic congestion in tourist areas and dangerous riding on bikes by ignorant tourists are also contentious issues and much resented by the local residents, and no effective action to resolve these problems has been taken so far. The new street art scene also has its share of adverse effects. Spiraling rent and increasing tourist arrivals have made inner city living expensive. Many of the old shophouses have been converted into trendy boutique hotels and cafes, depriving the original residents of their places of dwelling and further eroding the heritage of the community. Although many of the poorer local inhabitants will not be able to locate back to the old town for dwelling, work opportunities are aplenty and it is not uncommon to see the hawkers or souvenir sellers commuting daily to carry out their business in the same areas they used to live.

Conclusion

Street mural art is no longer confined to personal expression or individual creation. It embraces a wider role and diverse scope that is capable of rejuvenating urban spaces and cultivating a creative artist realm. In the case of George Town, Penang, it helps to define the city’s identity by looking at its past and present, and injecting new artistic elements into the interpretation of local culture in public spaces. The difference of street mural art when compared to the other forms of artwork, is that it has a limited lifespan, 184 Clement Liang George Town’s Street Mural Art and Tourism Impact 185

exposed to the weather and at risk of fading into oblivion, a point which the artists expect (Lim 2015). The beauty of street mural art lies in its transitory nature, and its ability to convey social messages and images of local life at a particular time. It challenges its spectators to capture the images and interpret in their own ways, what they are and how they chose to relate to them. The artwork can be abstract, yet not considered unapproachable or complex like expensive modern art paintings displayed in art galleries.

Nowadays, a tour of George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, would not be complete without looking at its street mural art. Visitors and locals Figure 8. Interactive Art Museums. Source: the author. alike discover the uniqueness of the city’s culture through the fun artwork, sharing their interest with friends at home via social media and indirectly The booming street art phenomenon does not come without a price as there promoting George Town’s tourism in an effective and costless way. Some have been reports of vandalism to the mural art, suspected by annoyed tour packages include guides explaining the street mural art, and a Google residents (Tan 2015). However, the slight damage to Zacharevic’s famous search on the tourist attractions of Penang or Malaysia would invariably mural art was quickly reported and fixed by the authorities. Traffic congestion return the street mural art in George Town. Formerly lifeless old streets of in tourist areas and dangerous riding on bikes by ignorant tourists are also George Town have been transformed, and come alive with throngs of tourists contentious issues and much resented by the local residents, and no effective and locals returning to the inner city for rest and relaxation, especially during action to resolve these problems has been taken so far. The new street art weekends and public holidays. The old town is often full and crowded, a scene also has its share of adverse effects. Spiraling rent and increasing tourist reversal of the quiet and dying quarter it used to be. arrivals have made inner city living expensive. Many of the old shophouses have been converted into trendy boutique hotels and cafes, depriving the Perhaps the biggest beneficiaries of the successes of street mural art are the original residents of their places of dwelling and further eroding the heritage local business stakeholders. From the street stalls selling souvenirs, boutique of the community. Although many of the poorer local inhabitants will not be hotels to the fine-dining establishments in George Town, every supply-chain able to locate back to the old town for dwelling, work opportunities are in the tourism industry has reported booming business that had previously aplenty and it is not uncommon to see the hawkers or souvenir sellers been unseen. Local artists and painters have also benefited with more commuting daily to carry out their business in the same areas they used to employment opportunities and work orders to furnish visual artwork on the live. business premises.

Conclusion The street mural art phenomenon experienced in George Town is seen to be positive, in general, and synergizes the city’s vision to be a creative and Street mural art is no longer confined to personal expression or individual artistic place. In the long run, the regeneration of the inner city, via this new creation. It embraces a wider role and diverse scope that is capable of art expression in public spaces, may bring sustainable and tangible benefits rejuvenating urban spaces and cultivating a creative artist realm. In the case by driving inner-city economic development through various commercial and of George Town, Penang, it helps to define the city’s identity by looking at cultural activities that relate to the rich heritage of George Town. its past and present, and injecting new artistic elements into the interpretation of local culture in public spaces. The difference of street mural art when compared to the other forms of artwork, is that it has a limited lifespan, 186 Clement Liang George Town’s Street Mural Art and Tourism Impact 187

Notes George, S. (2015). The tourists keep coming!. Penang Monthly, 10(15), p.35.

*Clement Liang Chow Ming was born in Penang and graduated from the GTF. (2016). George Town Festival [online]. Available at: University of New South Wales in Australia. As a social history researcher, http://georgetownfestival.com/about/ [Assessed 12 December 2016]. he is active in several NGOs in Malaysia including Penang Heritage Trust, a GTWHI (2014). Public Arts Review Panel (PARP) [online]. Available at: local conservation society to promote heritage conservation and heritage http://www.gtwhi.com.my/regulate/public-arts-review-panel.html tours, where he writes articles and brochures for the tourism board. Email: [Accessed 10 November, 2016]. [email protected] GTWHI (2016). What we do? [online]. Available at: 1. Outstanding Universal Values are a set of criteria specifying the inscribed http://www.gtwhi.com.my/introduction/what-we-do.html [Accessed 16 site with "Cultural and/or natural significance which is so exceptional as to October 2016]. transcend national boundaries and to be of common importance for present and future generations of all humanity” (ICOMOS, 2008). Heng, C.K., Low, BL., and Limin, H. (2010). On Asian Streets and Public Space: selected essays from Great Asian Streets Symposiums (GASS) 1 & 2. Singapore: Ridge Books, pp. 85 – 89. References ICOMOS. (2008). What is OUV? Defining the Outstanding Universal Value AJMAJM Planning and Design Group ((2011).2011). George Town and Melaka, HistoricHistoric of Cultural World Heritage Properties [online]. Available at: Cities of the Straits of Malacca - Drafted Special Area Plan. Penang: The Cities of the Straits of Malacca - Drafted Special Area Plan. Penang: The http://www.icomos.org/publications/monuments_and_sites/16/pdf/Monu Government of Penang, pp. 284. Government of Penang, pp. 284. ments_and_Sites_16_What_is_OUV.pdf [Accessed 15 December 2016].

Anuar,Anuar, M.M. (2017).(2017). More Amazing and Amusing MuseumsMuseums.. Penang Monthly,Monthly, Khoo, S.L., Samat, N. and Badarulzaman, N. (2015). The Promise and Perils 8(17),8(17), pp.pp. 54-56.54-56. of the Island City of George Town (Penang) as a Creative City. Urban Island Studies, 1(1), pp. 20-34. doi : 10.20958/uis.2015.2 Baker, L. (2008). Banksy: off the wall. The Daily Telegraph [online] 28 Baker, L. (2008). Banksy: off the wall.The Daily Telegraph [online] 28 March. March. Available at: Khoo, S.N. (2007). The Streets of George Town. Penang: Areca Books. pp 5- Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/art/3672135/Banksy-off- http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/art/3672135/Banksy-off-the- 7. the-wall.html.wall.html. [Accessed [Accessed 8 November, 8 November, 2017 2017].]. Lee, K. (2014). Should mural art be controlled, let it be judged objectively. BBCBBC TrendingTrending (2013).(2013). Trending:Trending: ErnestErnest Zacharevic, Malaysia’sMalaysia's answer toto Sinchew Daily [online]. Available at: Banksy.Banksy . BBCBBC News News [online][ online13 November.] 13 AvailableNovember at:. http://www.bbc.Available at: http://www.sinchew.com.my/node/1013551 [Accessed 12 November com/news/magazine-24924283.http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine [Accessed-24924283 23 April. [ Accessed2017]. 23 April 2016]. 2017]. Borghini, S., Visconti, L. M., Anderson, L. and Sherry, Jr. J.F. (2010). Lim, S. (2015). The good, bad and ugly of street artist Ernest Zacharevic's Borghini, S., Visconti, L.M., Anderson, L. and Sherry, Jr. J.F. (2010). murals. Today Magazine, 24 April. SymbioticSymbiotic posturespostures ofof commercialcommercial advertising and street artart:: rhetoric forfor creativity. American Academy of Advertising, 39(3), pp. 113-126. creativity. American Academy of Advertising, 39(3), pp. 113-126. Ministry of Information Communications and Culture Malaysia (2011). Conservation and Management Plan and Special Area Plan – Melaka and Campos,Campos, C.C. (2012).(2012). The Graffiti Wall, Wall, Street Street Art fromArt Aroundfrom Aroundthe World the. World. George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca. KL: The Barcelona:Barcelona: Promopress,Promopress, pp.pp. 1-4.1-4. Government of Malaysia. Filmer, A. (2015). Is Penang's tourism on the right track?. Penang Monthly, Filmer,10(15 A.), (2015).pp. 25- 30Is .Penang’s tourism on the right track?. Penang Monthly, 10(15), pp. 25-30. 186 Clement Liang George Town’s Street Mural Art and Tourism Impact 187

Notes George,George, S.S. (2015).(2015). The tourists keep comingcoming!!. Penang Monthly,Monthly, 1010(15),(15), pp.35..35.

*Clement Liang Chow Ming was born in Penang and graduated from the GTFGTF. (2016).(2016). GeorgeGeorge Town Town Festival Festival [online].[online Available]. Available at: http:// at: University of New South Wales in Australia. As a social history researcher, georgetownfestival.com/about/http://georgetownfestival.com/ about[Assessed/ [Assessed 12 December 12 December 2016]. 2016]. he is active in several NGOs in Malaysia including Penang Heritage Trust, a GTWHI (2014). Public Arts Review Panel (PARP) [online]. Available at: local conservation society to promote heritage conservation and heritage GTWHI (2014). Public Arts Review Panel (PARP) [online]. Available at: http:// http://www.gtwhi.com.my/regulate/public-arts-review-panel.html www.gtwhi.com.my/regulate/public-arts-review-panel.html [Accessed 10 tours, where he writes articles and brochures for the tourism board. Email: [Accessed 10 November, 2016]. [email protected] November, 2016]. GTWHI (2016). What we do? [online]. Available at: 1. Outstanding Universal Values are a set of criteria specifying the inscribed GTWHIhttp:// (2016).www.gtwhi What.com we .mydo?/ introduction[online]. Available/what-we at:-do http://www.gtwhi.com..html [Accessed 16 site with "Cultural and/or natural significance which is so exceptional as to my/introduction/what-we-do.htmlOctober 2016]. [Accessed 16 October 2016]. transcend national boundaries and to be of common importance for present and future generations of all humanity” (ICOMOS, 2008). Heng,Heng, C.C. KK.,., Low,Low, BLB. L.,., and and Limin, Limin, H H.. ( 2010(2010).). On On AsianAsian StreetsStreets andand PublicPublic Space:Space: selectedselected essaysessays from Great Asian Streets Symposiums ((GASS)GASS) 1 & 2. Singapore: Ridge Books, pp. 85 – 89. References 2. Singapore: Ridge Books, pp. 85 – 89. ICOMOS. (2008). What is OUV? Defining the Outstanding Universal Value AJM Planning and Design Group (2011). George Town and Melaka, Historic ICOMOSof Cultural (2008). WhatWorld is OUV?Heritage Defining Properties the Outstanding[online]. AvailableUniversal Valueat: Cities of the Straits of Malacca - Drafted Special Area Plan. Penang: The ofhttp Cultural://www .Worldicomos Heritage.org/publications Properties/monuments_and_sites [online]. Available at:/16 http://www./pdf/Monu Government of Penang, pp. 284. icomos.org/publications/monuments_and_sites/16/pdf/Monuments_and_ments_and_Sites_16_What_is_OUV.pdf [Accessed 15 December 2016].

Sites_16_What_is_OUV.pdf [Accessed 15 December 2016]. Anuar, M. (2017). More Amazing and Amusing Museums. Penang Monthly, Khoo, S.L., Samat, N. and Badarulzaman, N. (2015). The Promise and Perils 8(17), pp. 54-56. Khoo,of theS. L., Island Samat, City N. of and George Badarulzaman, Town (Penang N. (2015).) as a The Creative Promise City and. Urban Perils Island Studies, 1(1), pp. 20-34. doi : 10.20958/uis.2015.2 Baker, L. (2008). Banksy: off the wall. The Daily Telegraph [online] 28 of the Island City of George Town (Penang) as a Creative City. Urban March. Available at: Khoo,Island S.N Studies. (2007, ).1(1), The pp.Streets 20-34. of Georgedoi : 10.20958/uis.2015.2 Town. Penang: Areca Books. pp 5- http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/art/3672135/Banksy-off-the- 7. wall.html. [Accessed 8 November, 2017]. Khoo, S. N. (2007). The Streets of George Town. Penang: Areca Books. pp Lee,5-7. K. (2014). Should mural art be controlled, let it be judged objectively. BBC Trending (2013). Trending: Ernest Zacharevic, Malaysia's answer to Sinchew Daily [online]. Available at: Banksy. BBC News [online] 13 November. Available at: Lee,http K.:// (2014).www.sinchew Should .commural.my art/node be controlled,/1013551 [ Accessedlet it be judged 12 November objectively. http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-24924283. [Accessed 23 April 2016]. 2017]. Sinchew Daily [online]. Available at: http://www.sinchew.com.my/ node/1013551 [Accessed 12 November 2016]. Lim, S. (2015). The good, bad and ugly of street artist Ernest Zacharevic's Borghini, S., Visconti, L.M., Anderson, L. and Sherry, Jr. J.F. (2010). murals. Today Magazine, 24 April. Symbiotic postures of commercial advertising and street art: rhetoric for Lim, S. (2015). The good, bad and ugly of street artist Ernest Zacharevic’s creativity. American Academy of Advertising, 39(3), pp. 113-126. Ministrymurals. of Today Information Magazine Communications, 24 April. and Culture Malaysia (2011). Conservation and Management Plan and Special Area Plan – Melaka and Campos, C. (2012). The Graffiti Wall, Street Art from Around the World. MinistryGeorge of Town,Information Historic Communications Cities of the Straitsand Culture of Malacca Malaysia. KL: (2011). The Barcelona: Promopress, pp. 1-4. ConservationGovernment ofand Malaysia Management. Plan and Special Area Plan – Melaka Filmer, A. (2015). Is Penang's tourism on the right track?. Penang Monthly, 10(15), pp. 25-30. and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca. KL: The Government of Malaysia. 188 Clement Liang

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