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Substation changes should not limit access for artists

I refer to the report “Different strokes” (April 5), on the proposed changes to The Substation.

A banner at The Substation this week. Limiting the time The Substation is available will make a number of artists artistically homeless, which is ironic for a place whose motto is ‘A Home for the Arts’. Photo: Joy Fang

A banner at The Substation this week. Limiting the time The Substation is available will make a number of artists artistically homeless, which is ironic for a place whose motto is ‘A Home for the Arts’. Photo: Joy Fang

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I refer to the report “Different strokes” (April 5), on the proposed changes to The Substation.

When I first heard The Substation might no longer be available for hire, I panicked. For years now, I have been offering theatre arts classes to adults, who found me predominantly via The Substation’s website.

Many of them said mine were the only classes that could accommodate their work schedules. It has been a win-win situation for all involved.

The Substation makes a few dollars from renting me a classroom, I make a few dollars teaching the art I love, and members of the public learn a craft that might not otherwise be available to them.

I believe the largest hurdle small theatre companies in Singapore face is the high cost of venue rental, which constitutes roughly a third of one’s budget for the typical small-scale production. Small theatre companies rely largely on government subsidies, ticket sales and word of mouth. Many small companies fail because the high rental cost limits the length of their theatrical run and thereby curtails the time for word-of-mouth advertising to spread.

The Substation has perhaps the most affordable hiring rates of any arts space. I have rehearsed and premiered plays there, participated in fund-raising events and taught classes in that space.

Limiting the time it is available, even for four months a year, will make a number of artists artistically homeless, which is ironic for a place whose motto is “A Home for the Arts”. Themes and research are all very well, so long as The Substation does not limit access to the very artists it hopes to encourage.

While the place is in dire need of renovation, I believe a renovation for artistic purposes is neither necessary nor what members of the arts community and general public want. I believe that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.

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