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

An arts hub in George Town, Malaysiaserves as a pioneering social enterprise that bridges local communities, artists, and tourists while fostering international cultural exchange. Despite its innovative place-making efforts, such as repurposing a derelict bus depot into a dynamic arts space, the hub faces significant challenges, including precarious land tenure due to urban development threats and financial sustainability risks. The study highlights the need for revenue model innovation and strategic partnerships with public sector and tourism industries to ensure long-term viability. Conducted through structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews, this research provides critical insights into the roles and challenges of social enterprises in the cultural sector, offering a global perspective on sustainable community engagement and entrepreneurial resilience.

Chan, J. H., Chen, S.-Y., Piterou, A., Khoo, S. L., Lean, H. H., Hashim, I. H. M., & Lane, B. (2021). An innovative social enterprise: Roles of and challenges faced by an arts hub in a World Heritage Site in Malaysia. City, Culture and Society, 25, 100396. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ccs.2021.100396