Press Releases and Statements

●      Local and international arts organisations invited to operate the new 1,000-seat performing arts venue expected to open in 2030  

●      Appointed operator receives a base rent waiver of up to 20 years from Pacific Eagle Real Estate, with the mandate to shape the theatre's identity and programming

●      Appointed partner expected to deliver world-class programming and strengthen the local arts ecosystem

_{View from the stage of the 1,000-seat theatre, designed to world-class standards for international and local productions. Image credit: Pacific Eagle Real Estate}

Singapore, 23 September 2026 – The National Arts Council (NAC), supported by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), has launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) for an experienced partner to operate the new 1,000-seat purpose-built theatre at the site of the redeveloped former Tanglin Shopping Centre. The EOI is open to local and international venue operators, arts organisations, and cultural institutions with a strong track record in the performing arts sector.

Supporting the local arts ecosystem 

2           Support for local arts groups is built directly into the theatre's operating requirements: 

• Differentiated pricing tiers must be developed for local non-profit arts companies, enabling groups with the ambition and capability to grow to present their works in a world-class, larger-capacity venue.
• Operators will be expected to invest in capability development for local practitioners for example through residency programmes, mentorship, co-production partnerships etc., provide affordable access to rehearsal and development spaces and create new job opportunities.

3           Mrs Elaine Ng, Chief Executive Officer, NAC, said: “We welcome proposals from local and international organisations that share our ambition to grow Singapore's performing arts ecosystem. Through this new theatre, we want to create more opportunities for Singapore artists and arts companies to showcase our distinctive artistic identity, and to bring the arts to new audiences.”

An attractive opportunity anchored in Singapore’s artistic identity

4           Located in Orchard Road's arts and cultural sub-precinct, the new theatre is envisioned as a leading performing arts destination accessible to both local and international visitors. A base rent waiver of up to 20 years from PERE gives the appointed operator a strong foundation to build a sustainable business model and invest in programming, audience development, and the broader arts ecosystem.

5          The EOI is open to both local and international organisations. International applicants must have a local arts programming partner with an official role in shaping the artistic direction of local programming, ensuring that Singapore’s diverse arts perspectives are reflected alongside international ambitions. Where a joint venture or consortium is proposed, the locally registered arts company or companies must have at least 30 percent ownership or co-investment and also serve as a programming partner. 

6          The theatre, set to open in 2030, was announced by Mr David Neo, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Education on 27 August 2026. It is funded and built by Singapore-based real estate investor and developer Pacific Eagle Real Estate (PERE) to world-class standards. NAC will work closely with the appointed operator to develop the theatre as a key piece of infrastructure within Singapore's performing arts landscape. The theatre represents one in a pipeline of differentiated spaces being planned to support the diverse needs of Singapore’s increasingly mature arts sector.

7          Full details about the EOI are in Annex A. Background on the new theatre and high-resolution images are available in the Digital Media Kit here.

 - End –

For media queries, please contact: 

About National Arts Council, Singapore 

The National Arts Council (NAC) is a statutory board under the Ministry of Culture, Community, and Youth that champions the arts in Singapore. The Council promotes artistic excellence by providing diverse opportunities for artists and arts organisations while expanding access for audiences to appreciate the impact of the arts in enriching lives. By working closely with the arts community and partners, the Council seeks to build a connected society, creative economy and distinctive city through the arts. For more information, visit www.nac.gov.sg

Annex A: Media Factsheet on Expression of Interest to operate the new theatre at Tanglin

1          NAC has launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) to shortlist potential operators with relevant experience and capability in performing arts, venue management, arts programming or related fields, and vision to establish the new 1,000-seat world-class theatre. Located at the redeveloped Tanglin Shopping Centre, which is developed and funded by Pacific Eagle Real Estate (PERE), the theatre is envisioned to be a distinctive performing arts destination that complements Singapore’s existing arts venues and contributes meaningfully to Singapore’s arts ecosystem. The theatre is a major contribution to Singapore’s arts sector, with base rent waived by PERE for up to 20 years to support the theatre’s sustained growth and success. The EOI is set to close at 1pm SGT on 17 November 2026. 

2          An EOI briefing will be conducted through both in-person and virtual avenues via Microsoft Teams on 29 Sep 2026 at 5.00pm SGT. Interested applicants may register for the briefing at (https://go.gov.sg/tteoibrief).

Role of the operator

3         The appointed operator will be expected to deliver on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) including maintaining venue utilisation of the theatre of at least 65% of calendar days in a year, from the second year of operation onwards. The scope of the operator will cover five key areas:

• Artistic direction and programming: Develop and deliver a world-class programme line-up that balances international excellence with Singapore’s cultural identity. This includes presenting local arts groups and facilitating international artistic exchanges.
• Local arts ecosystem development: Contribute to the growth of Singapore’s performing arts ecosystem through initiatives such as residency programmes, mentorship, co-production partnerships and affordable access to rehearsal and development spaces, while creating jobs for the local arts ecosystem, and leveraging international networks to create meaningful opportunities for local artists to engage with global counterparts and audiences.
• International network development: Attract high-quality international acts and establish global networks to build enduring partnerships that enhance Singapore’s standing as a premier destination for world-class performing arts.
• Venue management: Oversee the theatre’s day-to-day operations, including venue bookings, front-of-house services, technical production support, facilities maintenance, food and beverage operations and venue hire, ensuring the venue is managed to international standards.
• Financial sustainability: Develop a sustainable operating model through diversified revenue streams

Expression of Interest (EOI) Process

4          Marking part one of a two-stage selection process, the EOI invites local and international organisations with relevant experience and capability in performing arts, venue management, arts programming or related fields to submit their proposals. This includes players such as venue operators, arts organisations, cultural institutions etc.

5          Applications will first be screened against the mandatory eligibility requirements as set forth in the EOI before eligible submissions are assessed against the evaluation criteria below.

Stage 1 EOI Evaluation Criteria:

6          Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to the second stage of the EOI, expected to take place in Q1 2027. During this stage, applicants will be required to submit a detailed business proposal.

 7          NAC will announce the results of the two-stage EOI and seek to award the winning operator in Q2 2027.