NAC seeks operator for new 1,000-seat Tanglin theatre with local arts quota

The National Arts Council has launched an Expression of Interest for an operator to run the upcoming 1,000-seat theatre in Tanglin. Applicants must allocate at least 30 per cent of utilised days to local arts groups and demonstrate experience in financially managing operations of a similar scale.

SINGAPORE: The National Arts Council (NAC) is seeking an operator for the upcoming 1,000-seat theatre in Tanglin, with the successful applicant expected to bring in high-quality international acts while supporting the local arts ecosystem.

Supported by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), NAC launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) on Wednesday (Sep 23), open to local and international venue operators, arts organisations and cultural institutions. The operator will be responsible for areas including artistic direction and programming, venue management and financial sustainability, while overseeing functions such as food and beverage, technical production and facilities.

Applicants must allocate at least 30 per cent of the theatre’s utilised days each year to at least four local arts groups, while supporting Singapore’s arts ecosystem with initiatives such as residencies and mentorships. They must also demonstrate experience in financially managing operations of a similar scale.

Arts observers said the scale of the project and its requirements could pose challenges for local groups hoping to operate the venue. Dr Samuel Wong, co-founder and creative director of The TENG Company, said: “For local groups, the hard part isn't artistry or ambition. It's actually having to run a venue at this scale, and the capital and the international reach that comes with such a venue.” He added that not many local groups have the “firepower and the weight” to take on such a project and may need to partner or collaborate with an international operator or a consortium of several local organisations.

International organisations can bid to operate the theatre, but they must have a local arts partner in roles such as artistic direction. For joint ventures or consortiums, domestic arts companies must account for at least 30 per cent of ownership or co-investment. Dr Wong said the requirement could help prevent the venue from gravitating towards commercially safer imported productions but pointed out that meeting a quota alone would not necessarily translate into meaningful native support.

Pacific Eagle Real Estate (PERE), which is funding and building the theatre, had earlier announced a waiver of the base rent for the 20-year tenancy period. The operator will be chosen through a two-stage selection process, with the successful applicant expected to be announced in the second quarter of 2027.