Singapore Arts Now for the Tasmanian Creative Industries

Creating new work for new markets is essential to the ongoing sustainability of the cultural and creative industries. Supported by the Tasmanian Government and developed in partnership with Arts Tasmania, this initiative is designed to support Tasmanian artists and arts organisations to research or create new work for new markets in Singapore and potentially Southeast Asia (SEA).

The development of new markets in the cultural and creative industries has traditionally taken place through touring and in-person visits. During the COVID-19 pandemic, international mobility halted, and live presentations and exhibitions paused for considerable lengths of time. This program, designed by Asialink Arts and which evolves incrementally over two years, re-considers and re-starts international engagement. The focus is on sharing insights on platforms and audience engagement, developing connections and supporting partnerships. The program will be delivered through digital and hybrid modes leading to live and face-to-face market opportunities in Singapore in a COVID-safe environment.

For the program Asialink Arts has created a layered approach towards developing market outcomes.

Stage 1 – Insider Perspectives on Singapore Arts Now: what, who and how

An open invitation to Tasmanian artists and arts organisations, this introductory briefing on the arts in Singapore was delivered by Singaporean experts in the performing arts, visual arts and multi-disciplinary and digital arts.

Speakers:

The Hon Elise Archer MP, Tasmanian Minister for the Arts;

His Excellency The Hon William Hodgman, Australia High Commissioner to Singapore; 

His Excellency The Hon Kwok Fook Seng, Singapore High Commissioner to Australia;

Audrey Yeo, Yeo Workshop; 

Shireen Abdullah, Esplanade Theatres on the Bay; 

Khairuddin Hori, Chan + Hori Contemporary;

Tay Tong, National Arts Council, Singapore.

This event was moderated by Dr Pippa Dickson, Director of Asialink Arts.

*Please note this was an opportunity for Tasmanian artists and organisations only. Upon registration evidence of Tasmanian residence was verified.

Stage 2 – Workshop: Selection through an expression of interest process

Date: Wednesday 15th June

Time: 11.30am – 5pm AEST (breaks included)

Purpose: To further develop insights into working, presenting and partnering in Singapore.

Aims: We aim to create a more in-depth understanding of the Singaporean arts landscape with opportunity for reflection and discussion as well as development of EOI’s for stage 3 (specific project mentoring and presentation in Singapore).

SUBMIT AN EOI HERE.

Participants will be provided with new insights into:

• Singaporean and South East Asian audiences
• Recent trends and developments in successful arts productions
• Cultural protocols, nuance and diversity in the Singaporean and South East Asian contexts
• The regulatory environment for public presentation

Speakers:

Chen Chen Lee, Public diplomacy specialist;

Paul Rae, Asia-Pacific research specialist, writer and director;

May Leong, Founder & Director, [-]yphen;

Ning Chong, Founder, The Culture Story;

Ching-Lee Goh, Founder, CultureLink Singapore;

Daniel Kok, Artistic Director, Dance Nucleus & Independent artist.

Methodology:

In response to the interest in inter-disciplinary practice the workshop has been created in modules to allow participants to choose content according to their interests.

• The Welcome and Module A and F (the opening and closing sessions) are compulsory.
• Plus, participants select a minimum of 2 modules from module B, C, D & E according to their specific interests. Participants are welcome to attend all modules.

Below total 4 hours 50mins

• Module A + F compulsory (total 1h 45mins)
• Participants must select a minimum of 2 modules from module B, C, D & E.

Stage 3 – Focused support: Selection through application

Second half of 2022 through to end of 2023, one-on-one development support.

Asialink Arts will work closely with up to two artists or arts organisations to build strong understanding and connections and work towards a) specific curated itinerary in Singapore and b) fees for the development or presentation of new work.

Application process in approximately June/July 2022.

*Stage 3 includes travel to Singapore for showcases and/or presentation of work leading to new trade opportunities and collaborative co-production outcomes.

All programs will be collaboratively designed in line with current health advice and regulations.

To be eligible for Stage 2 and 3 of the program a commitment through a negotiated timeline is sought from participants for 1-2 years.

Singapore Arts Now for the Tasmanian Creative Industries is assisted through Arts Tasmania.

Banner image: Art After Dark festival at Gillman Barracks, courtesy of National Arts Council of Singapore.