Having the right infrastructure is a key requirement for the arts to flourish. NAC looks into the creation, optimal usage and management of arts facilities and venues, providing ample arts housing and theatre management services to support artists and arts companies.
Drama Centre (615 seats) and Victoria Theatre (614 seats), owned by NAC, provide artists and arts groups affordable and accessible performing venues for their productions. Under a strategic partnership between NAC and The Esplanade Co. Ltd (TECL), Drama Centre is managed by TECL with effect from 18 October 2010. Victoria Theatre is presently closed for refurbishment and will re-open in 2013/2014.
Under the Arts Housing Scheme, the Council manages development projects, identifying and converting old buildings into suitable housing for arts use. These buildings are leased to selected artists and arts companies at highly subsidised rates for use as their office, studios, administrative, rehearsal and performance space. In addition to offering arts groups a home to develop their activities, the arts belts developed in Waterloo Street, Little India and Chinatown have also added vibrancy and colour to these areas.
The Framework for Arts Spaces was introduced to support the development needs of a growing and increasingly diverse arts sector, including new and emerging artists and arts groups. The arts spaces and facilities that are developed under this Framework will also serve as platforms where artists and arts groups can collaborate with each other, and interact with the wider public to bring the arts to the surrounding communities. The Framework for Arts Spaces piloted in 2011 at the Goodman Arts Centre, which was redeveloped to include over 30 new shared facilities for hire and 48 spaces for lease to artists and arts groups. The Goodman Arts Centre is managed by the Place Manager, The Old Parliament House Limited.
For more details about these venues and facilities, visit: