Affordable & vibrant spaces for multi-disciplinary arts sandbox use to be expected at Kampong Java in 2025

NAC and SLA had jointly launched a joint Price and Quality (PQ) tender to seek unique proposals for arts use in July 2024, as part of efforts to transform Kampong Java into an experimental space for artist-led innovation and creation, initiated in response to feedback from arts practitioners for dedicated and relevant spaces that are run by the industry.  

An Industry-Led Space for Experimentation and Connection

A total of five proposals were received, evaluated based on Price (30%) and Quality (70%) concepts for a holistic assessment. The Quality component included an assessment of the proposals’ concept and creativity, such as how the premises can be positioned as a vibrant arts sandbox, how the space will be made affordable and accessible to the artist community, and contribution to the overall vibrancy of the precinct.

19SixtyFive Pte Ltd, whose winning proposal had the highest combined PQ score, seeks to create an industry-led space for experimentation and connection for artists, professionals and the creative community. The properties at 52 to 56 Kampong Java Road will be repurposed into a variety of arts spaces, for both individual and collective use, to facilitate innovation, conversations and interactions among users. Artists from various disciplines can look forward to acoustically treated studios, equipped co-working offices, creative incubation and gallery spaces, dedicated event and performance areas, as well as an F&B operator at the premises. The spaces will be inclusive for artists, students, and organisations alike to experiment and create in the arts.

To ensure that the space remains accessible and affordable, 19SixtyFive Pte Ltd will also offer a comprehensive pricing strategy offering differentiated rates based on the duration of use for its various spaces. To further enhance accessibility and affordability of the space, preferential rates will be offered to budding artists and students.

To encourage footfall and enliven the precinct through community initiatives, 19SixtyFive Pte Ltd also plans to organise an annual arts festival that brings together different art forms (from performance to visual arts), regular live performances, arts markets and industry talks.

Key features of 19SixtyFive Pte Ltd’s proposal can be found at Annex A [PDF, 264.63 KB] ↗ (opens in new tab)

The awarded tender will offer an upfront tenure of five years, with an option to renew for a second term of four years dependent on 19SixtyFive Pte Ltd’s performance in running the space in accordance with NAC and SLA’s set objectives for it. Kampong Java is expected to be progressively ready for use in 2025.

Creating New Arts Spaces in Singapore

Tay Tong, Director, Visual Arts (Arts Ecosystem Group), NAC, said “52-56 Kampong Java is significant as its tender is a result of our close engagement and collaboration with the arts industry for an industry-led space for experimentation and creation. This also underscores NAC’s mission to diversify and unlock spaces to develop Singapore as a distinctive city for the arts. We will continue to seek out and work with partners such as SLA for artists to infuse the arts everywhere and for more Singaporeans to appreciate the value of the arts in our lives.”

Carrie Wong, Director, Business Planning and Development Division/SLA said: “SLA is looking forward to the rejuvenation of the Kampong Java property by 19SixtyFive Pte Ltd. SLA continues to proactively engage with different stakeholders from the private and public sectors to understand the community needs and seek creative ideas in repurposing State properties which benefit our communities. We are delighted that our partnership with NAC has successfully taken shape to transform the State properties located at 52 to 56 Kampong Java to serve the arts community and will continue to work with relevant partners to unlock even more uses and create differentiated experiences for Singaporeans.”

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Issued by: National Arts Council and Singapore Land Authority

About the 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 NAC Website

About the Singapore Land Authority

Singapore Land Authority (SLA) is a statutory board with the Ministry of Law. Its mission is to optimise land resources for the social and economic development of Singapore. SLA manages some 11,000 hectares of State land and about 2,600 State properties, which have largely been tenanted out for a variety of uses. It also manages land sales, leases, acquisitions, and allocation, developing and marketing land-related information, and maintaining the national land information database through digitised land information services. Being the national land registration authority for property transactions, SLA issues and guarantees land titles in Singapore. It also manages and maintains the national land survey system, where boundaries or legal limits of properties are defined, based on a coordinated cadastre survey system. The use of geospatial information is also spearheaded by SLA through a national collaborative environment where geospatial data, policies and technologies are established and defined, thereby fostering innovation, knowledge and value creation for the Government, enterprises, and community.  

For more details, visit www.sla.gov.sg ↗ (opens in new tab) or find us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram @SingaporeLandAuthority.