Istana Budaya 2021 (IB2021) New norm programme has been launched by the the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) to promote the country's cultural and art industries.

The venue will continue to run the stage programmes to support social prosperity through the performing arts, said Motac minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.

“Aside from glorifying the arts and culture of performing arts, I hope that one of the selected productions Jalan Sehala which will be showing in September 2021 will encourage the society to continue complying with the new norm and its standard operating procedures (SOPs) that have been set by the National Security Council and Health Ministry,” she said at the launch.

Among the 24 productions selected for the programme are, Teater Bangsawan Raja Bersiong, Festival Gamelan Gema Gangsa, Konsert Seni Muzik's 10th anniversary concert and Dance Drama Bakawali, Simfoni Kebabgsaan, Wayang Bersama Konsert Orkestra Tradionale Malaysia.

Additionally, the Colors of Malaysia Concert and the Lambang Sari Series National Symphony Orchestra are part of the integrated tour programme.

The IB2021 programme was selected in accordance with its aim and mission to stimulate the performing arts sector that was affected by Covid-19's outbreak and to support the arts activities in KL as the nation's tourism culture centre.

While during the Movement Control Order IB faced various difficulties and constraints, it plans to increase the quality and standard of art and culture.

IB recorded a total visitorship of 13,677 for the year 2020, which included performance, attendance at media press conferences, and IB visitors throughout the period.

Its total revenues of up to RM1.02 million, including ticket and space rental.

Nancy added that she hoped that the programme would boost national theatre activities and provide production companies with the opportunity to return to their businesses.

“International productions and programmes will also be shown if the circumstances allow them.

“I am confident that the vaccination programme and compliance with the SOPs will allow one out of three capacity usage in the Panggung Sari,” she said.