The National Arts Council (NAC) has announced plans to build a new centre for the theatre sector in Singapore, primarily focused on the development of original text-based works. The aims of this centre are to nurture and develop our established and emerging playwrights, as well as facilitate the growth of new and original text-based works that will enrich and enhance Singapore’s canon of theatre works. NAC is currently conducting an open call, to seek a suitable partner for this project.
To be situated at 42 Waterloo Street, there are many possibilities for this new centre – from being an incubation space, a centre for research, documentation and discourse, to planning a series of activities for the public to enjoy. NAC is currently seeking a partner who shares in this vision for the centre, to further develop this new space collaboratively. The site will then undergo modification and renovation works, in time for its opening by early 2014.
Commenting on the need for such a centre, Ms Yvonne Tham, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, NAC says, “Through consultations with the theatre community, we recognise that a critical gap is the support to develop our playwriting talents and create quality text-based works. Currently, there are efforts by our educational institutions or arts organisations. However, resources tend to be limited.”
She adds, “We hope this Centre for Text-Based Works will complement and bring greater focus to current efforts by providing an avenue for both aspiring and established playwrights and theatre practitioners to collaborate, create, critique and present new writing for the stage. We have seen the success of similar institutions in other countries, and hope that this centre can do the same to drive the growth of theatre in Singapore. NAC is not seeking an operator to just run this centre – we want a strong partner who shares our vision and will help expand the artistic capabilities of Singapore’s theatre scene.”
NAC welcomes proposals from all Singapore-based theatre practitioners, collectives or arts-related groups/organisations for this new centre. The closing date for submission of proposals is 10 June 2013. Details on the application and evaluation process can be found at http://nac.gov.sg/arts-spaces/open-call-for-42-waterloo-street/ (Appendix).
http://www.nac.gov.sg/media-centre/news-releases/news-detail?id=984d5425-f17b-4e46-9a4e-77be76baa124