Today, Singapore’s cultural institutions have become landmarks in Singapore’s skyline, and are acknowledged by Singaporeans and international visitors for their world-class exhibitions, stage productions and accessible arts programming. Some of these prominent arts venues include the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, National Gallery Singapore, Singapore Art Museum (SAM), Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, STPI Creative Workshop and Gallery, The Arts House, Victoria Theatre & Victoria Concert Hall, many of which are located in or near the historic Civic District.
Across the island, there are also other arts spaces, varying in size and available facilities, and managed by public and private organisations alike. These include Goodman Arts Centre, Aliwal Arts Centre, Stamford Arts Centre, which provide arts housing under the National Arts Council (NAC)’s Framework for Arts Spaces, as well as the Drama Centre located in the National Library Building with state of the art facilities-for-hire for artists to rehearse and present inspiring works.
Additionally, under the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)’s Community/Sports Facilities Scheme (CSFS), NAC supports the co-location of arts organisations at commercial developments to diversify arts spaces around Singapore. Such spaces include Bugis+, Funan Mall, Northpoint City, Orchard Central (The RICE Company) and One Holland Village.
Arts spaces play an important placemaking role in our arts and culture landscape as they add vibrancy and aesthetics to our city. By working with cultural institutions and arts venues to bring the arts to the public, artists and arts groups also have more opportunities to showcase their works to a diverse range of new audiences.