Vital for art industry players to understand Copyright Act, says Snowdan

SIBU (Aug 28): It is important for art industry players to understand government policies on the Copyright Act, said Datuk Snowdan Lawan.

The Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister stressed that artistes, music composers, lyricists, managers, event organisers as well as entertainment and recreation premises must know the Copyright Act to ensure Sarawak’s arts industry development is on par with other industries.

“Knowing and understanding how to protect the rights of artworks will continue to boost Sarawak’s art industry and indirectly has potential to increase our tourism and economic resources.

“In line with Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, it is high time for Sarawak Arts Council (MSS) to focus on efforts to drive Sarawak’s arts and culture sector through immediate recovery by bringing new models and strategies for both the art community and promoters.

“This is to match the demand and supply of the creative industry in Sarawak to produce outstanding and quality artworks without losing the uniqueness of art,” he said when officiating at the opening of ‘Dialog Seni 2024′ organised by Sarawak Arts Council here yesterday.

The text of his speech was read by Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts special administrative officer Datu Dr Rashidah Bolhassan.

The dialogue gathering artistes and art industry players was the third held in the state.

Snowdan also said Sarawak needs new talents with an emphasis on innovation and digital technology and data in line with PCDS 2030 to make the state a preferred tourism destination.

“Therefore, MSS, event organisers and tourism promoters should provide opportunities, space and platform for Sarawak’s art community for them to develop and show their capacity and capability.

“Likewise, the art community should work together and be ready to face the challenges of global economic development,” he said.

He also urged the dialogue participants to take the opportunity to voice up their views and suggestions to help MSS identify and analyse their issues with various strategies.

“For our artistes, this two-way communication aims to provide awareness, education, knowledge and guidance towards the protection of intellectual property rights and to protect their work.

“MSS’ objective of empowering Sarawak’s arts community will continue. Various initiatives will be undertaken by MSS to strengthen the arts community over time.

“It is hoped that the arts community will adopt a positive attitude in raising voices and solutions for their own benefit,” he said.

Also present were MSS culture officer Easter Melebeh and dialogue panellist Datu Adi Badiozaman Tuah.