An innovative social enterprise: Roles of and challenges faced by an arts hub in a World Heritage Site in Malaysia

Abstract

This research examines the roles of an arts hub in George Town, Malaysia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Operating largely as a social enterprise, it has fostered links between the local cultural sector, international arts actors, local communities, and tourists. But this innovative approach does encounter some challenges. This research employed a structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews with key persons, to understand the adopted management strategies and innovation practices. The arts hub has converted a derelict bus depot into an arts space serving both artists and local communities. This place-making effort has gained international acclaims for its innovations and community engagement. But it is a “meanwhile” space, precarious in nature due to land development threats as it is located at the edge of the old city centre, just outside of the world heritage site regulated zone. It also faces challenges in financial sustainability; further innovation in its business model is warranted particularly in revenue model innovation and partnership-building with the public sector and the tourism industry. The organisation is the focal point of an extended international and local art community in a mini-entrepreneurial ecosystem. It survives by finding innovative ways, taking some risks to obtain resources, retain and nurture talent, and reach out to the community. The research helps to provide a greater understanding of the potential roles and challenges faced by innovative social enterprises in the cultural and creative sector worldwide. • An arts hub could play a role in place-making, re-occupying spaces for community-based creative activities. • Extended network is an enabling factor in innovation endeavours of an art based social enterprise. • Organisational innovation is required to improve access to resources and talents, and to reach out to the communities. • A ‘meanwhile’ art space is precarious due to the pressure from commercial and residential property development. • Innovation in business/revenue model is warranted to ensure long-term financial sustainability of a social enterprise.