REIMAGING ART CENTRES: ENABLING EFFICIENT ARTS ADVOCACY AND PLACEMAKING EFFORTS

Abstract

Singapore embarked on a multitude of policies to realise its vision of a Global City for the Arts. One of such policies is the Framework for Art Spaces (FFAS) resulting in the development of Goodman Arts Centre, Aliwal Arts Centre and Stamford Arts Centre which this paper focused on. This paper sought to shed light on how physical spaces within the art centres could be improved to amalgamate the needs of art tenants and ease their placemaking efforts, while bridging the gap between artists and public. This paper reviewed past and existing placemaking efforts initiated by art housing tenants and the accompanying difficulties in such ventures. It also examined perceptions and experiences of the public to such art centres. By incorporating the lessons learnt and cross-referencing to successful international case studies, an enhanced art centre would be proposed to uphold and ensure the sustainability of FFAS. Findings revealed that placemaking initiatives by the art tenants were largely successful by NAC’s standards. The success of the art tenants in acquiring their tenancy renewal was testament to the acknowledgment of their placemaking efforts by NAC. Rather, there was a lack of awareness and importance attributed to art centres by the public. This was due to inefficient spatial allocation within the art centres, where a lack of amenities hindered positive relationship building among art tenants as well as between art tenants and the public at large. The proposed art centre consists of three complementary components – Create, Live and Thrive – which addresses these shortfalls and coalesce to transform the art centre into a quotidian space seeking to inculcate a sense of place and foster an active art community.