The Substation | Singapore

EXPANDING A HOME FOR THE ARTS The Substation nurtures independent creative practitioners in collaborative communities through the multi-disciplinary curation of contemporary practices from theatre and dance to film, music, literary arts, performance art, visual arts, and related creative fields. As a pioneer of Singapore independent art, The Substation serves as a platform for the development and showcase of a diverse range of artists, performers, curators, filmmakers, producers, writers, and intellectuals – some of whom have gone on to shape our creative landscape over the last 30 years. Today, The Substation embraces the boundless possibilities of expanding ‘A Home for the Arts’ in a regional community by discovering new talent, valuing diversity, and developing creative practices across borders in Southeast Asia and beyond. It remains an independent, non-profit organisation, fuelled by the commitment of like-minded practitioners and support from donors, foundations, government and sponsors. Founded in 1990 by dramatist & Cultural Medallion recipient, the late Kuo Pao Kun, with seed funding from the Singapore government, The Substation was formerly housed in the conservation site of a 1920s power substation until the building’s much–needed restoration in 2021 The Substation continues to operate from Singapore with a team of arts managers and arts practitioners, supported by collaborative partners based locally and regionally. — Banner Image: 'Sama-sama: Comfort is on the Menu', 2023 - site-specific installation by Adeline Kueh for ArtsFest 2023 by The Substation. Photography by Ken Cheong.