A Vibrant Celebration of Art, Culture, and Community
The George Town Festival (GTF) 2025 has officially kicked off, turning Penang into a vibrant hub of artistic expression and cultural celebration. Over the course of nine days, until August 10, the festival promises a diverse range of performances, exhibitions, and experiences that highlight the richness of arts and culture in the region.
This year’s theme, “Connection,” encourages the public to explore the links between people, places, tradition, and innovation. The festival’s opening event, “After Dusk,” was an open-air spectacle of lights and music held at the Esplanade. It attracted nearly 100,000 attendees, marking a strong start to the festival.
One of the highlights of the event was the projection mapping showcase called “Terang” at the Town Hall in Jalan Padang Kota Lama. Organized by Filamen, a local new media art collective, “Terang” featured 37 finalist artworks from a student competition alongside 11 pieces from guest artists. The architectural features of the hall, including its columns, windows, and cornices, provided a unique canvas for participants to interpret Penang’s multicultural history.
Visitors were captivated by the visuals of Malaysian icons such as the Jalur Gemilang and hibiscus, as well as Penang’s iconic shophouses, landmarks, and street food. The theme of this year’s competition, “Rojak,” which is derived from a popular salad, symbolizes the blend of different cultures and traditions in the region.
Abdul Shakir Abu Samah, co-founder of Filamen and curator of the showcase, emphasized the importance of using contemporary digital art to celebrate community stories. He noted that George Town is a living museum of multicultural heritage, shaped by centuries of trade, migration, and cultural exchange.
Complementing the visual display were several modern dance performances, including “When Walls Become Wings” by Euphoria Penang. Other performances included musical acts such as “Rhythm and Roots” by Culture Shot and Straw Lim, as well as acoustic indie folk music by Isaac Ho.
At one corner of the Esplanade field, a large audience gathered for the silent dance-music presentation titled “Transmute: Dengung Masih Dalam Sepi” by Muhd Sharul Mohd and Namie, as well as the glowing diabolo dance called “Starry Night” by Diabolution.
The festival launch was attended by several prominent figures, including Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, and others. Chow highlighted the role of art in connecting people, especially in a divided world. He described GTF as a space for Penangites and visitors to come together and celebrate creativity through culture.
Hon Wai, chairman of the state tourism and creative economy committee, praised the festival’s growth since its inception in 2010. He noted that GTF has evolved into a leading creative platform for South-East Asia, reinforcing Penang’s identity as an international city of the arts.
Exciting Lineup of Events
GTF 2025 features 50 programs spanning music, dance, theatre, photography, visual arts, and workshops. Among them are 32 Malaysian programs, with 22 involving Penang-based artists and groups. The remaining 18 programs are international presentations, including collaborations with the Spanish Embassy in Malaysia, the Japanese Government’s Agency for Cultural Affairs, and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia.
Festival director Jack Wong emphasized that 80% of the programs are free, aiming to allow the public to enjoy the arts together. He believes that artistic expression can connect George Town with its people, deepening their love for the city and sparking a sense of connection.
One example of this is “Between Departures,” where a Rapid Penang city bus is transformed into a roving concert stage. Live sets by Sundal Malam Ensemble and 1Drum offer a unique mobile live music experience, inviting the public to pause and gain a new perspective of the city.
Another notable event during the festival’s opening weekend was the “Three Generations, One Jazzy Heartbeat” concert at Majestic Theatre. Featuring The Stacey Wei Quartet from Taiwan, the performance included a song paying homage to the beauty of Hualien and another based on a work song by Taiwan’s indigenous Atayal community.
Visual Wonders and Immersive Experiences
Throughout the festival, various exhibitions, installations, and experiences are open to visitors daily. “Symbiosis: Crab Chronicle” offers an immersive virtual reality journey through Penang’s ecosystems from a crab’s perspective. Artist Koh Kai Ting and her team collaborated with local fisherfolk and scientists to craft a narrative that engages audiences with environmental realities.
Equally captivating is “Immersiox,” where visitors can explore dreamy digital realms and redefine spatial awareness. Another installation, “A Debt of Time” by Neoh Shin Yen, located at Sia Boey Urban Archaeological Park, invites visitors to engage with a poem about impermanence, connection, and memory.
“Time, Places, People” features works by artist Joshua Foo, exploring how time reshapes identity and place over 30 years. More programs are lined up until the closing weekend, including the “A Night in Spain” concert on Friday night, featuring fiery flamenco and lyrical folk melodies.
For more information on events and ticketing, visit www.georgetownfestival.com.