NAC launches its second development under Framework for Arts Spaces
The National Arts Council (NAC) launches the Aliwal Arts Centre today, a unique multi-disciplinary arts centre with a strong focus on the performing arts. Situated in the former Chong Cheng and Chong Pan Schools on 28 Aliwal Street, the new Centre will open with a mix of 19 arts tenants, comprising artists and arts groups from across a range of disciplines (please see Annex A). The Aliwal Arts Centre is the second development under the NAC’s Framework for Arts Spaces.
Strategically located in the historically rich Kampong Glam District, the new Aliwal Arts Centre is envisioned to add to the area’s cultural vibrancy, bringing together artists and art enthusiasts to explore and engage in the arts. Says Mr Benson Puah, Chief Executive Officer, NAC, "The opening of the new Aliwal Arts Centre marks another significant milestone in NAC’s efforts to provide spaces for artistic development. With such a diverse mix of arts tenants, I am excited to see how new ideas and collaborations could arise, as a result of the interactions between the artists and their Kampong Glam neighbours, such as the Malay Heritage Centre, Sultan Arts Village, Objectifs Centre for Photography and Filmmaking, and so on. We hope this new Centre will become an inspiring yet useful space for artists to work in, and at the same time, a natural meeting point for all who enjoy and appreciate the arts."
Says Mr Danny Loong from The Singapore Music Society (SGMUSO), "Aliwal Arts Centre is in an excellent location for us – it is right outside of the city centre, in a unique and culturally rich district, and within an interesting and vibrant neighbourhood. It’s a good fit for some of our signature events profiling Singaporean bands, and we are excited about the possible collaborations with the Aliwal tenants as well as with the surrounding community. I also like the flexibility of the spaces – our tenanted office space allows us to manage our day-to-day operations, and it is really convenient for us to meet up with potential partners, collaborators and sponsors here. At the same time, we can rent music studios for our artists when we need to. It’s an ideal arrangement for SGMUSO at this point."
Says Ms Zizi Azah from Teater Ekamatra, "We love our new space at Aliwal Arts Centre because of its very strategic location in the Kampong Glam area. From the rich cultural heritage vibrantly brought alive by the Malay Heritage Centre, to the trendy hipsters on Bali Lane and Haji Lane, this is the perfect spot for us! We want our new space to be the place for artistic experimentation and collaboration. We look forward to collaborating closely with other tenants and like-minded artists."
NAC has appointed The Old Parliament House (TOPH) to oversee the daily maintenance and operations of the centre, and work closely with the tenants to programme the 2 centre with suitable arts events and workshops for the public. To kick off its opening festivities, the Centre will be organising a special Arts Night Crawl on Friday, 14 June 2013, showcasing a wide range of special arts events and activities by the tenants, as well as businesses in the surrounding Kampong Glam district (please see Annex B).
The 4,200sqm Aliwal Arts Centre offers a variety of spaces, especially for performing arts groups. The Centre features 14 studio spaces and 17 Shared Office Workstations. One of the new features at Aliwal Arts Centre is the Shared Office Scheme. The scheme provides spaces which are ideal for part time arts groups who wish to have a space to work in, and coordinate their activities, but do not need a full studio space all year round. In addition, the Centre offers 8 shared facilities, including multipurpose halls and music studios, which the groups and the public may rent for short term use.
http://www.nac.gov.sg/media-centre/news-releases/news-detail?id=45da97d4-04a9-413c-acaf-c203c2c69cb9