PUBLIC ART AS A CATALYST FOR CULTURAL REVITALIZATION AND TOURISM IN SMALL TOWNS: A CASE STUDY OF PEKAN PARIT, PERAK
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21837/pm.v23i38.1868Keywords:
Public Art, Cultural Tourism, Community EngagementAbstract
This study investigates the transformative role of public art in promoting tourism and fostering community engagement in Pekan Parit, Perak. Adopting a mixed-methods approach combining surveys and site observations, the research reveals that 88.3% of residents perceive murals, sculptures, and installations as valuable in preserving cultural identity and attracting visitors. However, challenges such as inadequate maintenance and a lack of thematic alignment with local heritage remain significant. Beyond aesthetic value, public art emerges as a conduit for expressing collective memory, identity, and cultural narratives embedded in everyday life. The findings highlight the importance of cultural relevance and active community participation in the artistic process. To support sustainable implementation, the study proposes an integrated framework encompassing community co-creation, systematic maintenance strategies, and curated tourism initiatives. These insights contribute to broader discourses on creative place making and sustainable cultural tourism, offering practical implications for policymakers and urban planners engaged in small-town revitalization.
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