Kuala Lumpur: In recognition of the artists and artistic talents, especially those whose studios and galleries are at Central Market, the National Visual Arts Development Board (LPSVN) will be developing a special collection of national works of art from 1979 to 1989. Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan announced the initiative, aiming to highlight the role of Central Market, also known as Pasar Seni, as a central hub for the development of Malaysian culture, art, and craft from 2025 to 2028.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Khairul Firdaus revealed that the LPSVN has already acquired six works of art created by four artists at Central Market to be included in the national collection. He made this announcement during Question Time at the Dewan Negara sitting. This move comes in response to Senator Prof Emeritus Datuk Seri Dr Awang Sariyan’s inquiry about government efforts to provide incentives and recognition to artists at Central Market in the development of arts and culture.

Khairul Firdaus further mentioned that the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC), through LPSVN, offers specific financial assistance under the Art Assistance Fund (TBS) via Artist Membership. This includes contributions for both individual and group artists, providing them with the necessary support to carry out their programs. He emphasized MOTAC’s role, through the National Heritage Department, in protecting, preserving, and conserving cultural sites, noting that Central Market was gazetted in 2011 under the National Heritage Act 2005.