About
Our Story
George Town Festival is an annual celebration of arts, culture, heritage and community. Since its inception in 2010, it has established itself as one of the most significant arts events in the Asia-Pacific region, becoming a platform for artists across the globe to collaborate, create and connect. The festival has been integral in turning George Town into a creative city, a hub bursting with innovation and artistic energy. GTF has expanded Penang’s economic possibilities to include the creative economy, proving that the arts are indispensable to economic progress.
Originally a series of events celebrating George Town’s inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, George Town Festival has become Penang’s most anticipated arts extravaganza. The community-driven festival is spearheaded by a mission to create awareness, cultivate understanding and foster an appreciation for the 200-year-old cultural and artistic richness that characterises the city. For over a decade, it has aimed to bring the local community closer to George Town’s rich living and built heritage, to preserve and rejuvenate its cultural diversity.
Every year, local and international artists descend upon George Town, showcasing the depth, breadth and infinite possibilities of the arts. Spanning traditional and experimental events spotlighting different artistic mediums and amplifying unique creative voices, the varied programmes promote cultural exchange and celebrate the remarkable nature of the artistic spirit.
Due to its significant social and economic impact, George Town Festival has earned strong brand recognition over its many iterations, receiving international media coverage and acclaim. Nikkei Asia has named it “one of Malaysia’s – and Asia’s – most acclaimed international arts festivals”, and Time Out has dubbed it “the best time for a road trip to Penang”. For over a decade, the festival has captivated residents, local visitors and international guests, a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts seeking a one-of-a-kind cultural experience, in a city steeped with history.
GTF 2024 – Here & Now
“The present is a convergence of past and future, not merely a moment in time.”
“GTF 2024 is powered by the theme ‘HERE & NOW’. The festival promises 10 days of reflection, reimagination, celebration, and transformation. Festival goers will embark on a spellbinding journey of exploration and discovery.”
This July, step into the streets of George Town, where new meets old. As you traverse the winding alleyways and bask in the festive atmosphere, we invite you to reconsider the relationship between the festival and this city in this present moment.
Here, bear witness to a kaleidoscopic showcase of the arts. Through various forms of expression—music, dance, visual arts, theatre and more, our emotions, innermost thoughts and struggles will be illuminated on the city stage. Each artistic medium casts a spotlight on our present reality, with every performance and exhibition forming part of our dialogue with the here and now.
In this city, we are surrounded by the echoes of history and are enveloped by the rhythms of contemporary life. This festival is not just a showcase, it is also a reflection of ourselves, our history and the unseen future that lies ahead. “Here & Now” will act as a mirror, beckoning you to pause and contemplate the interconnectedness of our past, present and future.
HERE & NOW, we hope to draw out a fuller sense of George Town’s identity and deepen the connection between the festival, the city and the community.
In this moment and in this very place, we aim to spark a revelation. Let us slow down and gaze upon the city walls, where the complex beauty of life is inscribed—a wonder often overlooked, yet ready to be rediscovered.
GTWHI & Kerson Media
George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI)
Established by the Penang State Government on 21 April 2010, George Town World Heritage Incorporated is the site manager spearheading efforts in safeguarding the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the George Town World Heritage Site.
A diverse group of professionals with different areas of expertise, the team at GTWHI is dedicated to managing, safeguarding and promoting George Town as a sustainable heritage city for all. They are committed to conserving and safeguarding Penang’s tangible and intangible heritage.
GTWHI works on cultural heritage promotion in schools, youth participation in programmes, disaster risk management, regeneration of residency within George Town, paper and object conservation, as well as first aid for cultural heritage in emergencies. To promote cultural heritage education and boost capacity building, GTWHI collaborates with a wide range of partners to conduct workshops, conferences, exhibitions and heritage celebrations. Their work also involves encouraging public participation in World Heritage Site conservation efforts.
GTWHI’s tasks are conducted through some 50 programmes and projects annually with sponsorship from the Penang State Government, in collaboration with UNESCO and its Category 2 Centres. They also provide complimentary consultations to owners of heritage buildings, architects and builders on the appropriate restoration methods, conduct skills development workshops, and provide resources on George Town and its heritage. Apart from outreach efforts, the team facilitates and conducts inventory, documentation and research projects.
Kerson Media Global Sdn Bhd
Established in 2009, Kerson Media Global Sdn Bhd is a Penang-based media and event solutions provider. They serve clients across industries in several key areas: media production, event planning, editorial, book publication and marketing plan execution.
With digital platforms Backstage Professional and Foodsion, Kerson Media strives to bring creativity and passion in everything they do, contributing to the creative industries in Malaysia. Besides covering topics relating to beauty, fashion and the latest arts industry news, Backstage Professional, as the title suggests, also offers “backstage” access through interviews with local artists.
In 2024, Kerson Media becomes the new organiser of George Town Festival. In the coming years, the company will actively champion arts and culture in Penang. We aim to cultivate a vibrant cultural landscape in Penang by curating arts experiences that inspire, educate and connect diverse communities. Simultaneously, we strive to establish a globally recognised arts festival that acts as a catalyst for boundless creativity, groundbreaking innovation and positive social change.