George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) has decided to form a special committee to manage murals and other artworks within the heritage site.

It's general manager Lim Chooi Ping said the move is to prevent artwork or murals - which may affect the appearance or image of the city - flooding the site.

"This committee will comprise of those with art backgrounds who can verify the artworks in the heritage site," said Chooi Ping.

"Art which is appropriate will be approved and retained, the rest will be removed," she added.

Chooi Ping said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng often stressed that Penang is open for artists to showcase their artistic and creative work.

Such openness helps to develop and celebrate Penang's local cultural artworks.

"But such encouragement does not mean indulgence. So to avoid the overflow of murals and those which affect the city image, the state - through GTWHI - decided to form the committee," said Chooi Ping.

The decision comes after Lithunian artist Ernest Zacharevic had been making headlines in the state with his famous murals since 2012.

Recently, Zacharevic caught the attention of the state administration when he put a frame around a pothole , in an apparent criticism of the local council for not addressing the problem. His effort was welcomed by Guan Eng.

In contrast, Zachaveric's mural hinting at street crime in Johor failed to be appreciated by the state authorities, who erased the mural done in Lego-style of a parang-wielding robber preying on a woman carrying a branded handbag.

Praising his effort, Chooi Ping said Zacharevic's art had resulted in more opportunities for the local art scene, while boosting tourism within George Town.

"Every weekend and holiday period, George Town is packed with tourists who want to take photos with the murals," she noted.

Unapproved random drawings

Chooi Ping said while this has increased George Town's visibility, some of the murals within the heritage site are random drawings and had never been approved.

She said in order to protect and preserve three significant universal values of George Town, the state government adopted an open policy to encourage software development, for instance, in humanities and the arts.

"But to ensure these art creations do not damage the value of our heritage, they have to be reviewed by the relevant government department and approved before they demonstrate their charm in the city," said Chooi Ping.

"The committee will play the important role as this ancient city's gatekeeper, making sure it won't encounter any inappropriate impact," Chooi Ping added.

She said that from now on, anyone interested in showcasing or contributing their artwork within the George Town heritage site would need to report to GTWHI, besides getting permission from the premise owner.

After completion of the artwork, the committee under GTWHI will examine it to ensure the content would not ruin the city's image.

"We also urge everyone to uphold their civil duty and contribute their expertise to protect the universal values of George Town, so it will sustain externally and become a real living heritage," she added.

When contacted, some artists remarked that they do not feel this is a restriction on their creative work.

Alfred Yeoh and Jeffrey Jensen - two artists who exhibit their works and run the A2 Gallery along Bangkok Lane - said they agree to the committee being formed.

"However, the people in the committee must have the knowledge to judge the standard of work. Otherwise, Penang will end up as one giant kindergarten," said Jansen, who is a well-known landscape artist in George Town.