Singapore venue usage hits an all time high

IFACCA/Artshub,
11 October 2002, Singapore

The Singapore National Arts Council (NAC) has recently conducted an analysis of venue usage within the Singapore performing arts scene aimed at determining which venues are favoured by organisers, and the depth of venues available. For the 2001 period, the performing arts recorded the highest numbers ever in ticketed attendance for performing arts activities. The analysis has found that most performances were staged at dedicated venues such as the Victoria Theatre, Victoria Concert Hall and Jubilee Hall. The number of performances staged at such venues is said to have stabilised from 1999-2001. The analysis also indicates that while the number of ticketed performances staged at outdoor venues is not significant, they were in fact second in terms of attendance, with a total of 8%. The NAC notes that this comparatively high attendance is due partially to the inherent larger audience capacity. The NAC has also noted that venues at arts housing premises such as the Substation and the Singapore Repertory Theatre, have contributed to the vibrancy of the Singapore performing arts scene. The amount of performances staged at such venues increased by approximately 7% between 1995-2001. While dedicated performing arts venues have proved most popular, the NAC reports that attendance at new venues is beginning to strengthen based on the variety they offer to both organisers and artists.