Singapore's Iconic Substation Arts Center Announces Permanent Closure After 30 Years
After three decades of operation, The Substation, Singapore's oldest independent arts venue, will shut its doors permanently. The space at 45 Armenian Street will undergo a two-year renovation starting in July 2021 to transform it into a multi-tenant arts center. Co-artistic director Raka Maitra revealed the closure during the Septfest arts festival, which runs from 4 to 28 March 2021, describing it as 'the only refuge for the fringe.' Established in 1990 by Kuo Pao Kun, The Substation served as a multidisciplinary platform that championed experimental arts and resisted commercial influences. The board confirmed the decision on 2 March 2021, prompting discussions among figures like Thirunalan Sasitharan and Alan Oei. National Arts Council director Tay Tong emphasized the importance of the multi-tenant approach.
Key facts
- The Substation, Singapore's oldest independent arts space, will close permanently after 30 years.
- It must vacate its 45 Armenian Street premises in July 2021 for a two-year renovation.
- The renovated building will become a multi-tenant arts center, potentially housing The Substation alongside other groups.
- Co-artistic director Raka Maitra announced the closure in a Septfest trailer, calling it 'the only refuge for the fringe.'
- Founded in 1990 by playwright-director Kuo Pao Kun, it was housed in a former power station in Singapore's civic district.
- National Arts Council director Tay Tong cited Singapore's vibrant arts scene as rationale for the multi-tenant model.
- The closure sparked debate, with former artistic director Thirunalan Sasitharan defending its legacy and artist-curator Alan Oei supporting shutdown.
- The board confirmed permanent closure on 2 March 2021.
Entities
Artists
- Raka Maitra
- Kuo Pao Kun
- Thirunalan Sasitharan
- Alan Oei
- Tang Da Wu
- Lee Wen
- Zai Kuning
- Cherian George
- Goh Chok Tong
Institutions
- The Substation
- National Arts Council
- Today newspaper
- Grey Projects
- soft/WALL/studs
- Supernormal
- Coda Culture
- Gillman Barracks
- Esplanade
- The Arts House
- National Museum of Singapore
- ArtReview
Locations
- Singapore
- Armenian Street