Day: 12 March 2021

The Substation’s announcement of its impending closure in July has left the local arts community shaken, with many preparing with heavy hearts to say ‘goodbye’ to a key piece of Singapore’s heritage – one that has been a pillar of the arts scene.TheHomeGround headed down to The Substation to explore this historic space.All photos in this series are by THG’s photographer, Malek Roslee, with the exception of archived photos obtained from PictureSG by the National Library Board. The Substation’s exterior, present day.The Substation’s First Anniversary Walk-a-Jog : Exterior of the Substation. (Source: The Substation Ltd and National Library Board Singapore, 2016)Following the announcement of its closure, crowds have flocked to The Substation to bid farewell, with many sharing their opinions online, through groups such as The Substation Venue. TheHomeGround Asia visited this historic space to learn more.The GalleryThe GalleryHome to numerous exhibitions over the years, the Gallery on level one was showing Projek Orang Asli. Exploring artist Zai Kuning’s fascination with the Orang Asli, the aboriginal people indigenous to Peninsular Malaysia.Projek Orang Asli by Zai KuningProjek Orang Asli by Zai KuningZai presents his work across a variety of mediums, including photography, videography and physical forms such as murals.Projek Orang Asli by Zai KuningProjek Orang Asli by Zai KuningProjek Orang Asli by Zai KuningThe Gallery has also housed various other exhibits such as “Corporeity by Susie Wong”, which was held from 9 to 18 October 1997.Banner for the Corporeity by Susie Wong exhibition, 1997. (Credit: The Substation Ltd and National Library Board Singapore, 2016)Susie Wong speaking to audience at the Corporeity by Susie Wong exhibition, 1997. (Credit: The Substation Ltd and National Library Board Singapore, 2016)READ: What Does The Substation’s Closure Mean For Artists?TheatreThe Substation Theatre has provided a cosy atmosphere for many riveting plays, as an ideal space for blackbox productions.The team hard at work at The Substation Theatre.Mid-rehearsal at The Substation Theatre.Mid-rehearsal at The Substation TheatreAside from productions, the Theatre has also hosted events such as the Space, Spaces and Spacing conference, which was a part of SeptFest 1995.Septfest 1995 – Space, Spaces and Spacing : Audience at the conference [1]. (Credit: The Substation Ltd and National Library Board Singapore, 2016)Read: Farewell, The Substation: Chicken Soup for The Fringe SoulThe Substation GardenThe Substation Garden was closed for renovation when our team visited, this week. However, this iconic space is certainly no stranger to events, having been home to events, such as rock concerts and musical performances.Nuradee sitting in the Substation Garden. (Credit: The Substation Ltd and National Library Board Singapore, 2016)The space was also a highlight of The Substation, with its whimsical garden murals.A mural in The Substation Garden, which was painted by local artists in the 1990s. (Credit: The Substation Ltd and National Library Board Singapore, 2016)Another mural at The Substation Garden, which was painted in 1995. (Credit: The Substation Ltd and National Library Board Singapore, 2016)The Balcony and ClassroomsWorkshops and classrooms were also held at The Substation. TheHomeGround Asia caught a glimpse of these iconic spaces.The Substation ClassroomThe Substation ClassroomThe balcony was also a highlight of the space, providing a bird’s-eye view of the street below.The Substation BalconyThe Substation BalconyThe Dance StudioA familiar sight to many dancers, the Dance Studio has housed countless classes from renowned local companies, including Sigma Contemporary Dance, over the years.The Substation Dance StudioThe Substation Dance StudioSeptfest 99 : For Want of a Better Word (or Please) [2]. (Credit: The Substation Ltd and National Library Board Singapore, 2016)Dance performances aside, the dance studio has seen events such as talks in days past.Philip Jeyaretnam speaking to Kuo Pao Kun at his talk, 1994. (Credit: The Substation Ltd and National Library Board Singapore, 2016)SAD BarLocated at the basement of The Substation, SAD Bar is an ideal space for workshops, intimate performances and panel discussions, with a whimsical charm that perfectly embodies The Substation’s spirit.One of The Substation’s staff members opens the door to SAD Bar.The entrance to SAD Bar.The interior of SAD Bar, with its iconic neon sign.What does the arts community have to say?The arts community has been vocal in the days following The Substation’s announcement, with many expressing shock and disbelief, as they mourn its eventual closure. THG interviewed local rapper Subhas to find out his thoughts on The Substation as the space where he presented his first album, Not A Public Assembly. He speaks about his performance this weekend, featuring his sophomore album, Tabula Rasa, as well as shares his perspective on The Substation and what it means to him.We also spoke to a member of the public, Tau, who shared his views on The Substation as a space for artists.Check out our 360 video of The Substation below.The Substation’s final hurrah, SeptFest 2021, is ongoing till 28 March. Find out more about the full range of events available at their website.Join the conversations on THG’s Facebook and Instagram, and get the latest updates via Telegram.

Day: 12 March 2021

Remembering The Substation

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