The Substation in Singapore to Close: Was it A Result of Covid-19?

The iconic arts centre in 45 Armenian Street will permanently shut its doors in July 2021

After more than three decades, The Substation has announced that it will close its doors. The arts centre had played a key role in Singapore’s arts scene. It will vacate its Armenian street location by July.

In a statement, its board said: “This difficult decision has been made in light of the impending relocation of the Substation in July 20211, NAC’s decision to turn 45 Armenian Street into a centre for multiple arts groups, the financial situation of the Substation exacerbated by Covid-19, and the loss of venue hire at the Substation.”

It added that “in the absence of a substantial inflow of private funding, the Substation’s business model is not sustainable”.

The National Arts Council (NAC) had also informed The Substation of upcoming major renovations that will be taking place from mid-2021.

NAC expressed “disappointment” in The Substation’s decision to permanently shut down.

“We are disappointed by the announcement from the Board of The Substation on their decision to close the company permanently. The Substation has been a Major Company with a long history of more than 30 years. It has had a rich history and has contributed significantly to the cultural scene in Singapore,” said the NAC in a press statement.

“The Substation has been aware of the decision to renovate 45 Armenian Street since 2017. There have been constructive discussions throughout this time, most recently, when NAC met with the Board of The Substation on 15 February 2021.”

Additionally, The Substation also acknowledged that the NAC had indicated that it may return, but only as a co-tenant with other arts groups. NAC had explained that “this would allow for more arts companies to benefit from the enhanced space”.

Here are five things to know about the closure:

When was it founded?

It was founded in 1990 by the late Kuo Pao Kun, recipient of the Cultural Medallion in 1989. The Substation is known for its pioneering and experimental arts programming.

Since its inception, The Substation has worked with some of Singapore’s most critically acclaimed artists, writers and intellectuals.

When will it close?

The Substation will close down permanently in July 2021 or sometime around then.

Will programmes continue until then?

The Substation said in a statement that it will continue the celebrations of its 30th anniversary at its location in 45 Armenian Street. Programmes will continue and its venues have been hired until July 2021. SeptFest, which explores the stories of the marginalised, displaced and forgotten communities in Singapore, will also run from March 4 to 28.

Was relocation considered?

NAC said it had offered several interim sites to The Substation.

According to a report in Today, The Substation’s general manager Loh Aik Khoon said the NAC had suggested some venues for relocation, including Goodman Arts Centre in Mountbatten and Aliwal Arts Centre in Kampong Glam.

What will happen to The Substation’s records and documents?

The arts centre said all of their records and documents, which have helped to chart and illustrate Singapore’s arts landscape, will be archived. Upon completion, these will be located at a location that will be open to the public.

There will be a soft launch of their archives later this year, that will be accompanied by a week of specially designed events. More information will be posted on The Substation’s website later on.

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the substation covid-19 Arts in Singapore Armenian Street Pandemic