We are psyched to kickstart Backstage Pass in 2016 in Penang! And given the growing reputation of Penang as a hub for the arts and heritage, this edition of Backstage Pass PG will zoom in on how arts events are relevant for all--specifically how the organisers of these arts initiatives hope to help their community experience, own and, in some cases, practice the arts.

Backstage Pass PG by Peatix is a community event for event organisers - exchange lessons, connect with people who enable events and grow as a group.

When: 700 PM on Wednesday, 13 Jan 2016

We appreciate it if you could register individually.

Where: Check out one of our favourite art spaces in Penang, Hin Bus Depot, a formerly decaying building that is given a second life as an open art space for exhibitions

Who: Meet people who are passionate about events in their own fields in Malaysia. Say hi to our Asia team too!

What: Hear from our speakers who have run community-focused and grassroots arts initiatives:

- Lainie Yeoh, Lim Ee Loe - Kakiseni - #Otherfest

- Danny Mahes - Say It Like You Mean It

- Karen Khoo - Coffee and Art Fringe Festival Asia (CAFFA)

Moderator: Gareth Richards - Gerakbudaya Penang

Agenda:

• 645pm: Registration and light dinner is served.
• 730pm: Panel: Lainie Yeoh, Lim Ee Loe, Danny Mahes, Karen Khoo. Moderated by Gareth Richards
• 830pm: Q&A

Meet our speakers:

Lainie Yeoh (Kakiseni - #Otherfest)

Lainie is a communications designer by training, and has held numerous jobs within the arts industry and creative sector. She has organised events and styled launches; written about politics, culture and art; was once art director of a boutique comms agency; resigned as a travel writer, experimented with activism in various causes and roles; and taken on several production roles in the performing arts. She was sub-editor for a political and cultural commentary website, is the editor of an independent arts blog, and also the internet butler and consultant for a performing arts company. She recently curated The Other Festival, a site-specific history, food and arts festival conceptualised for her hometown, Ipoh

Lim Ee Loe (Kakiseni - #Otherfest)

Trained in piano and cello from a young age, and actively involved in drama, music and dance performances throughout her school days, the Kuantan native graduated with a Bachelor in Commerce majoring in Finance from the University of Queensland.

Ee Loe joined Kakiseni in 2013 and has since had a hand in driving and kickstarting various projects, including 50x50 My Malaysia - a Merdeka campaign that took her to all 13 states in the country - and recently as founding Project Manager for The Other Festival, a first ever festival of arts, heritage and food in Ipoh.

Ee Loe loves animals – she counts several fishes, cats and six rabbits as pets, and occasionally helps her mum run a dog shelter. She never says no to a cup of freshly-brewed Americano

Danny Mahes (SILYMI)

Danny is a poet, musician and director of a mentorship program called Say It Like You Mean It (SILYMI).

Danny believes in creating opportunities for talented young people, and removing obstacles to their success. This is the vision of the SILYMI program. It is currently in its 4th year and has grown from a monthly open mic to a year-long training program.

Danny has spoken at various panels and forums on poetry, the creative industry and creative placemaking. He understands the invaluable contribution of arts and culture to the local economy and community.

Karen Khoo (CAFFA)

Karen has been in the advertising industry for 6 years, with vast experience executing numerous exhibition overseas, across Asia and Middle East. Karen founded CAFFA together with Sasya Sebi as a way to harness the growing interest in coffee as an avenue for discovery of the work of local artists.

Moderator: Gareth Richards (Gerakbudaya Penang)

A former academic, Gareth Richards is a researcher, writer, editor, bookseller and activist who has long been associated with the arts scene – notably with film, photography and music.

Gareth founded Gerakbudaya Bookshop, Penang, the first independent bookshop in the world heritage site of George Town. Previously he also taught international politics, political economy and development studies at the University of Manchester, University of the Philippines and University of Malaya, and worked as a senior research officer for the Attorney General of Malaysia’s Chambers. His teaching and publications have focused on global political economy, democracy and civil society, the politics of global governance and culture.

Our partners make Backstage Pass PG possible

Hin Bus Depot Art Centre is a contemporary art centre which aims to support and nurture the new generation of contemporary artists in Malaysia by providing a channeling of their creativity.

FAQ

• I provide relevant services (audio-visual services, photobooth rental, app) - can I attend? Yes, we're an inclusive community. At the same time, organisers prefer to mostly meet other organisers. We require vendors to pay a higher entry of RM30 and respect that this event is not a platform for selling services.
• Why can't I buy more than 4 tickets in one transaction? Diversity is important to us - come meet new friends!
• Vegetarian food? Yes! Please let us know in advance.
• Why isn't the event free? We serve food at wonderful venues. The price is not designed to be a barrier - we offer discounts to students, youths and dreamers.
• What's your refund policy? We understand that things may crop up. Feel free to transfer your ticket or approach us for a refund.
• Can I pay at the door? Yes you can, but at RM30.
• Are you looking for partners? Glad you asked - please drop us a line.
• Who organises this? The community team at Peatix Malaysia
• More questions? Contact meiyi@peatix.com