Singapore’s National Arts Council (NAC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Republic Polytechnic (RP) to establish a purpose-built arts facility in the country’s north. Designed to bring the arts to the 30,000-plus students and local residents, the Republic Cultural Centre will stage the Singapore Biennale, the Singapore Arts Festival, the Singapore Writers Festival and Noise Singapore, among other major NAC events. Weekly lunchtime performances and Artist-in-Residence projects are also in the pipeline. The planned regional development forms part of NAC’s decentralisation strategy – “to enlarge the footprint of arts participation and engagement in Singapore.” “We are pleased to partner Republic Polytechnic in growing arts audiences in the North” said NAC CEO Lee Suan Hiang. “Such collaborations help the NAC reach specific sectors of the community in a targeted way, bringing the benefits of the arts to more Singaporeans, particularly young people. The MOU formalises plans for NAC and RP to tap on each other’s strength, networks, expertise and creative opportunities.” “RP is confident that with its own vibrant arts culture and community network, we can bring the arts to the region and the region to experience the arts right at their doorsteps”, said Professor Low Teck Seng, the polytechnic’s Principal and CEO. “Through this collaboration, we will entertain, engage and educate both the initiated and uninitiated, together we will grow the base of arts audiences and practitioners.” For more information, CLICK HERE