Stamford Arts Centre to transform into home for the traditional arts
SINGAPORE — The Stamford Arts Centre will undergo a S$7 million redevelopment and open in the middle of next year with a new multi-purpose hall, a space for resident artists and an F&B outlet, among other improvements.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Culture, Community, and Youth (MCCY) Baey Yam Keng announced these updates during a media session on Tuesday (April 25). The centre will be dedicated to the traditional arts, said Mr Baey, noting that MCCY announced in 2015 that S$25 million would be allotted to support and grow the traditional arts scene in Singapore.
Besides the multi-purpose hall, there will also be “a shared studio for groups to practice in and hold rehearsals”. This, combined with residency spaces, will allow local artists to run both local and international collaborations, he said.
In June, the National Arts Council (NAC) will call for arts groups and professionals to submit applications so that they can be housed at the centre.
Mr Paul Tan, deputy chief executive officer of the NAC, said that currently, there is no set number of arts institutions that the revamped Waterloo Street venue will hold. A total of eight arts groups were in the original building. “We are going reconfigure that,” said Mr Tan.
The space for shops and the eatery will take up “no more than 20 per cent” of the building, which was built in 1920, and has functioned as the Stamford Arts Centre since 1988.
Speaking on the retail concept, Mr Tan said that the tenants would be those that have synergy with the centre. “Ideally, it will be something that brings in footfall,” he said. “(We are looking for) commercial tenants aligned to the performing and visual arts.”
Mr Baey responded to questions on whether the revamp of the Stamford Arts Centre marks the beginning of an overhaul for older arts buildings, such as the Cairnhill Arts Centre and Telok Kurau Studios. “It is our job to make our art spaces relevant and up-to-date, to cater to the demands and needs of the arts community and the public,” said Mr Baey. “This is an ongoing process ... hopefully when we have more resources, we will do more for the other arts (buildings).”
Art groups at the media session shared their interest in submitting proposals for the open call. Dancer and choreographer Norhaizad Adam of Malay performance group, P7:1SMA, said the group has been “eyeing the space for a long time” as “the (surrounding area) has temples (but is also) quite urban, and is diverse and vibrant”.
Mr Wong De Li Dedric, general manager for the chamber music ensemble Ding Yi Music Company, intends to submit a proposal for the open call. He hopes that it will become a community space for all, and not just to those who are interested in the arts, he said.
