While contrast and harmony are crucial elements in art, how may art, in turn, help us communicate towards creating harmony despite our differences? Find out in the Penang Harmony Celebration this September.
By Lee Kwai Han
On the 31st of August 2023, Malaysia celebrated its 66th National Independence Day. It is also the first national day celebration after the conclusion of the 15th General Election last November and the recent state elections in 6 states including Penang.
This year, Penang Harmony Corporation (HARMONICO) further develops their flagship PEACE 21 programme into the Penang Harmony Celebration. From Malaysia’s National Day till the International Day of Peace on 21 September, they have various programmes lined up for everyone to celebrate togetherness and engage in interfaith and intercultural interaction for improved understanding.
This is especially timely when the recent elections have seen an “increasing divide between Malaysia’s different races, religions, regions, social classes, economic backgrounds and beliefs” that needs to be bridged.
Here are five highlights for art lovers and creative minds of different ages.
- Interfaith & Ecology: Bringing Together Diverse Beliefs for a Greener Tomorrow
“The way we treat the Earth, our common home, is a reflection of how we treat each other,” excerpted from The Letter: A Message for Our Earth (2022). The Creation Justice Commission of Penang State invites everyone to watch the documentary film, The Letter, together. Be ready for breathtaking images of Earth, as well as to see the impact of the ecological crisis through the eyes of youths, poor people, indigenous group leaders, and scientists.
One must not miss the forum where representatives of different faiths in Penang discuss their perspectives on the relationship between humans and nature.
- Date: 3rd September 2023 (Sunday)
- Time: 1:30 PM – 6:00 PM
- Venue: Penang Harmony Centre
- Art on Canvas: With 2 Wings, We Are Here.
After all the fun of drawing and colouring during the Baha’i Ridván Festival on 29 April this year, Penang Harmony Corporation (HARMONICO), Baha’i Penang, and Penang Down Syndrome Association are bringing Art on Canvas to the public again. Children and parents will get to have fun playing with colours on large canvases alongside other families as well as children with Down syndrome. There are limited spaces, so register fast.
- Date : 9th September 2023 (Saturday)
- Time : 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Venue : Penang Harmony Centre
- Let’s Talk: Interfaith Dialogue
How does one use traditional and new media to encourage interaction and meaningful conversations between youths with different religions?
On Malaysia Day, religious groups’ youth leaders, media representatives, and key opinion leaders will come together to find the answer. HARMONICO is collaborating with Penang Youth Development Corporation to bring this Let’s Talk dialogue live in Penang Harmony Centre. Check out HARMONICO’s YouTube channel for the previous two dialogues on religions’ perspectives on gender and on interracial marriages.
- Date : 16th September 2023 (Saturday)
- Time : 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Venue : Penang Harmony Centre
- Readings@Tanjong: Negara Kita and Performances
Malaysian Writers Society and Dabble Dabble Jer Collective invite everyone to spend an evening enjoying poems surrounding the theme of Negara Kita (“our country”).
In this session, the audience will also get to immerse themselves in the joy of bhangra (a folk dance performed by youths from Gurdwara Sahib Butterworth), kirtan (a congregational chanting performed by the youth group of Sri Sri Radha Krishna Kanhaiya Temple of Devotion and Understanding, Seberang Jaya) and Chinese and Hokkien songs by a local Penang singer.
- Date : 16th September 2023 (Saturday)
- Time : 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Venue : Penang Harmony Centre
- Peace Short Film and Movie Night
The Peace Short Film, titled The Treasure, tells the story of a man’s pursuit that brings him into an unanticipated journey. Rishivinn John, a student from the School of the Art, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), spent part of his internship with HARMONICO writing and directing the film. The film was finally completed together with another 14 fellow USM students. “It’s [about] perspectives. My perspective can be right, it doesn’t mean your perspective is wrong,” he says as he invites fellow Malaysians to watch and interpret the short film.
The evening also features Adiwiraku (2017), a movie that chronicles the real story of Cheryl Ann Fernando, an English teacher in a rural school in Kedah, and how she worked through various challenges with her students towards a choral speaking competition.
- Date : 16th September 2023 (Saturday)
- Time : 8:30 PM – 11:30 PM
- Venue : Penang Harmony Centre
Beyond the list above, there is a wide array of activities for everyone to explore getting in harmony with the self, family members, people of different faiths and cultures, and nature. One can participate in meditation workshops, exhibitions, khat and calligraphy workshops, games and more, in different premises around Penang state.
Look up the full Penang Harmony Celebration programme and registration details on HARMONICO’s website: https://www.harmonico.my/celebration-23#
Cover photo shows the work-in-progress during Art on Canvas: Good Neighbours Come in All Colours, part of the Ridván Festival celebration in Penang Harmony Centre in April 2023.
Photos courtesy of HARMONICO, unless otherwise stated.
Lee Kwai Han manages arts and environmental education projects in Penang. Despite her training in engineering, she believes arts is the software solution our society needs.