Bugis Street | Central Region

The Arts House is one of Singapore's most iconic and versatile cultural venues, dedicated to promoting the arts and fostering creativity. Located in the heart of Singapore's civic district, the Arts House is known for its historical significance as well as its role as a contemporary platform for various artistic expressions. It serves as a space for diverse cultural events, ranging from theatre and performing arts to visual arts, literature, and multidisciplinary collaborations.

1. History and Background

The Arts House is housed in the Old Parliament House, a building that holds immense historical value for Singapore. Originally built in 1827, the structure was the first government building in Singapore. It served as the seat of the legislative council for over a century before being repurposed for arts and cultural events.

In 1999, the Old Parliament House was transformed into the Arts House, after undergoing extensive renovations to adapt the building for its new purpose as a cultural venue. The transformation reflected Singapore’s growing commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural scene and supporting the arts. The building’s combination of colonial architecture and modern facilities offers a unique space where history and contemporary art coexist harmoniously.

2. Mission and Vision

The Arts House's mission is to provide a platform for the arts and creativity, with an emphasis on fostering local talent while also encouraging international collaborations. The venue is dedicated to supporting artistic diversity, innovation, and cultural exchange, ensuring that it remains relevant and engaging to both local audiences and international visitors.

• Promote Artistic Expression: The Arts House offers opportunities for artists from various disciplines to showcase their work in a historical and culturally significant environment.
• Cultural Dialogue: It is committed to facilitating cultural conversations, allowing local and international artists to collaborate and explore new forms of creative expression.
• Public Engagement: The venue hosts a variety of public programs aimed at making art more accessible and engaging for the wider community, fostering a deeper understanding of different art forms.

3. Key Features and Spaces

The Arts House is home to a variety of spaces, each designed to accommodate different types of events and artistic disciplines.

a. The Chamber

The Chamber is the largest space within the Arts House and is designed for theatre performances, concerts, lectures, and film screenings. It is an intimate yet versatile venue that can host both large-scale events and more intimate performances.

• Acoustics: The Chamber is equipped with excellent acoustics, making it ideal for performances that require high sound clarity.
• Seating: The seating arrangements are flexible, allowing the venue to be configured for different types of events, from traditional theatre performances to multi-disciplinary shows.

b. The Play Den

The Play Den is a more intimate space within the Arts House, used primarily for smaller performances, readings, and workshops. It is often used for more experimental and experimental works in a cozy, accessible environment.

• Interactive Space: The Play Den encourages interaction between artists and audiences, creating a more informal setting for engagement and discovery.
• Workshops and Rehearsals: The space is also used for creative workshops and rehearsals, allowing artists to experiment and develop new ideas in a supportive environment.

c. Gallery

The Arts House’s gallery space is dedicated to showcasing visual arts and multidisciplinary projects. The gallery hosts exhibitions that feature works from both local artists and international artists, highlighting the rich and diverse world of contemporary visual art.

• Exhibitions: The exhibitions in the gallery span a wide range of mediums, from paintings and photography to installations and digital art.
• Community Engagement: The gallery also hosts outreach programs, including artist talks, panel discussions, and art workshops, to engage the local community in artistic dialogue.

d. Courtyard and Outdoor Spaces

The Arts House also offers outdoor spaces such as the courtyard, which serves as a venue for open-air performances, festivals, and community events. The courtyard’s serene setting and lush surroundings make it an ideal location for more relaxed and informal art experiences.

• Public Art Installations: The outdoor space is often used to showcase public art installations, creating a vibrant atmosphere for passersby and visitors.
• Cultural Events: It also hosts a variety of cultural events, such as street performances, food festivals, and art fairs.

4. Programs and Events

The Arts House hosts a wide range of artistic programs that cover different aspects of Singapore’s cultural scene. Some of the key programs include:

a. Theatre and Performing Arts

As a key venue for the performing arts, the Arts House is home to many theatre productions, dance performances, musical concerts, and spoken word events. These performances often showcase works that address local and international issues, using art as a tool for reflection and engagement.

• Local Productions: The Arts House is home to many locally produced plays and performances, featuring works from Singaporean playwrights, directors, and performers.
• International Collaborations: The venue also regularly hosts international performances, often collaborating with global artists to bring fresh perspectives to Singapore’s cultural landscape.

b. Literary Events

The Arts House has a strong emphasis on literature, hosting a wide array of literary events, book launches, author talks, and poetry readings. It is a gathering place for writers, poets, and literature lovers, where people can come together to celebrate and explore the world of words.

• Literary Festivals: The Arts House is an important venue for literary festivals such as the Singapore Writers Festival, where renowned authors from around the world come to present their work and engage with audiences.
• Workshops and Readings: The museum also organizes writing workshops and reading sessions, helping to nurture the next generation of writers and poets in Singapore.

c. Cultural and Community Programs

In addition to its regular events, the Arts House offers various cultural programs that encourage community engagement and participation. These programs aim to make the arts more accessible to a wider audience and encourage people from all walks of life to explore their creative potential.

• Public Lectures: The Arts House regularly hosts lectures and discussions on a wide variety of topics, including art, culture, society, and history.
• Educational Programs: The venue runs educational programs designed to introduce children, students, and adults to different forms of artistic expression through hands-on experiences and learning.

5. Architectural and Historical Significance

The Arts House is housed in the Old Parliament House, a building with significant historical importance. Built in 1827, the building was originally designed by architect George Drumgoole Coleman and served as the seat of Singapore’s legislative council for over 100 years.

• Colonial Architecture: The building features neoclassical elements, including tall columns, expansive windows, and an elegant facade that speaks to its colonial-era origins. The restoration of the building preserved much of its historical charm while adapting it for modern use.
• Historical Importance: The Old Parliament House was the site where important legislative decisions were made during Singapore’s early years as a colony and a newly independent nation. Today, it serves as a reminder of the country’s political history, while simultaneously being a modern center for the arts.

6. Conclusion

The Arts House is a unique and important institution in Singapore, bridging the country’s rich cultural heritage with its dynamic contemporary arts scene. Through its blend of historical significance and modern artistic expression, the venue plays a key role in promoting artistic diversity, cultural exchange, and community engagement. Whether you’re attending a theatre performance, art exhibition, or literary event, the Arts House offers a space where creativity can flourish and where audiences can experience the best of Singapore’s vibrant arts and cultural landscape.