In what has been described as one of the saddest days in Singapore arts, it has now been announced that after three decades, the Substation will be closing permanently. This announcement comes after much uncertainty and news that the independent arts space will have to vacate its 45 Armenian Street home in July for two years because of renovations that have to be done to the building. Once renovations are over, it will return to the building as a co-tenant.
In a media statement on March 2, the Substation Board explains that the decision to close was made after lengthy deliberations and several discussions with the National Arts Council (NAC) and with members of the arts community.
Two main reasons have been hashed out: Firstly, the Substation will lose a fundamental part of its identity and heritage if it cannot return fully to its home. This is especially unfortunate as since its inception, the identity of the arts centre has been linked to the building, generating a unique and creative buzz that has been central to placemaking in Armenian Street for 30 years. After all, its name is derived from the fact that it occupies a former power substation built in 1926.
Another reason is that even if it returns as a co-tenant, the Substation will be unable to control the building facilities that are much-needed for its operations such as the theatre and gallery. The implications – namely the loss of autonomy over the spaces and facilities and the loss of income from venue hiring – will impact the Substation's ability to operate as an independent arts centre and incubator.
"I am deeply sorry to be announcing this outcome. I know this is a tough decision for the board to make. For many in the community, it is an outcome that is both difficult and disappointing to accept," says Joint Artistic Director Woon Tien Wei. "I am saddened by the permanent closure of The Substation. The Substation provided a place for meaningful connections (people, ideas and spirit) on my art journey. This is valuable not just for me but also to many others who have come forward and commented generously over the weeks regarding Substation's future. It is sad to know that arts practitioners and audiences in the future will not be able make their own meaningful connections in a place like the Substation."
Tien Wei also says that the closure of the Substation signals the shrinking of 'self-organising' spaces within the arts ecosystem, which is essential for developing it. "It is strong reminder that we need this dialogue to continue beyond the Substation and it needs to be an on-going conversation with all the stakeholders in the arts ecosystem.”
Joint Artistic Director Raka Maitra says: "This is the moment to ask ourselves, honestly, who are we as a society? Who are we as people?"
The Substation was founded in 1990 by Chinese theatre director and writer Kuo Pao Kun. It was the first independent arts centre to be established in Singapore, acting as an incubator for emerging artists and performers in the local scene. In its 30 years, the Substation has supported 98 Associate Artists or Artists-in-Residence, 10 President's Young Talents Award winners, and nurtured 20 Young Artist Award recipients. 13 Cultural Medallion winners have also been associated with the Substation.
Before saying goodbye to the Substation for good, SeptFest, a four-week arts festival curated by Raka will be taking place from March 4 to March 28. With the theme "In The Margins," this year's edition explores the stories of marginalised, displaced and forgotten communities in Singapore.
Read more:
Face in theatre: Siti Khalijah Zainal
6 nightclubs in Singapore opening as bars, diners, fitness studios and more
Amplifying the voices of Asian writers: Singapore Unbound launches Gaudy Boy Translates