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What can we learn from all the conversations we’ve had on Backlogues so far?
In the pilot series of Backlogues, we have interviewed arts managers from differing backgrounds and practices. As a wrap-up, hosts Charlene Shepherdson and Serene Chen have a special discussion with veteran theatre practitioner Kok Heng Leun to find out his insights and actionable takeaways from the pilot series and the evolution of arts management in the 1980s and 1990s. They exchange views on the delights and challenges of working as an arts manager in Singapore, as well as reflect on persisting issues facing the arts ecosystem.
For transcript and references: backlogues.sg/episodes/8
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How did local publishing houses chart the course for the literary arts during the 1980s? Host Charlene Shepherdson speaks with Goh Eck Kheng, founder of Landmark Books, and Lim Li Kok, founder of AsiaPac Books. By talking about their publishing strategies and the driving forces behind starting their own businesses, the duo proffer a detailed account of how the world of book publishing in Singapore really works, as well as the costs and complexities involved.
For transcript and references: backlogues.sg/episodes/7
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In the first of the literary arts episodes of the series, host Charlene Shepherdson speaks with librarians R. Ramachandran and Michelle Heng about the development of Singapore’s reading infrastructure. They shine a spotlight on the foundations laid by pioneering librarian Hedwig Anuar, and how her early work with the National Library and the Singapore Book Council transformed Singapore’s literary arts scene by boosting the public accessibility of local literature and the development of new writing.
For transcript and references: backlogues.sg/episodes/6
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How did the notions of multiculturalism and multidisciplinarity emerge in Singapore theatre, and what challenges did they present to the arts manager? Host Serene Chen speaks with arts manager Wong Han Juan, tracing the past and present challenges of nurturing an arts ecosystem that is supportive of diverse and experimental practices, by way of her experiences working as an arts manager with legendary arts pioneer Kuo Pao Kun and The Theatre Practice. They also discuss the joys and struggles of nurturing multidisciplinary and multicultural collaborations, and Han Juan’s role in fundraising and liaising with artists during the early years of The Substation.
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Host Serene Chen chats with Clarisse Ng and Goh Su Lin as they share insights about their time working as arts managers with The Necessary Stage during the 1980s and 1990s. Serene chimes in with her memories acting for TNS productions in the 1990s!
Since its inception, the company recognised that the artistic and administrative aspects of its organisation were of equal importance, resulting in their collaborators taking on multiple roles across the company’s branches, spaces and productions. Given the company’s trademark practice of devised work, Clarisse and Su Lin further explain how their unique process-oriented approach to theatre-making presented equally unique challenges to the arts manager. We also learn how Su Lin’s legal background helped the young company in managing unprecedented controversies, navigating their way around setbacks that allowed them to become one of Singapore’s most eminent and well-loved companies to date.
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What was it like to work as a production and stage manager in theatre during the 1980s?
Host Serene Chen chats with arts manager and multiple-hat-wearer Lucilla Teoh about working as an arts manager during the growing years of Theatreworks, now known as T:>works – one of Singapore’s most prominent theatre companies.
She shares memories of working with other arts managers and practitioners to enable the company’s innovative approach to developing a professional local theatre ecosystem, which included the concept of “Total Theatre”: theatre as a holistic, immersive and multi-sensorial experience.
She also discusses the company’s dedication to developing local Singaporean works through programmes such as the Retrospective of Singapore Plays and the Writers’ Lab. Collaborations with regional arts companies, such as Five Arts Centre in Malaysia, also make cameos within this conversation.
Listen out for Lucilla’s recollections of spooky encounters during the company’s residence at Fort Canning Hill!
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Did you know that the planning for the construction of the Esplanade began as far back as the 1980s? Host Serene Chen discovers more about its origins in a chat with Tisa Ho-Ng, the former Assistant Director of the Cultural Services Division, Ministry of Culture, and former Secretary of the Steering Committee for the arts centre that would become the Esplanade. They also discuss Tisa’s role in the development of state support initiatives for the arts and artists as a result of the state’s 1985 Cultural Plan, including the Arts Housing Scheme that provided state-subsidised rentals for rehearsal and work spaces for many arts companies over the years. Tisa also shares anecdotes and memories about working with various artists and arts companies through the years, and how trust, risk-taking, and honesty are core ingredients to a thriving relationship between the arts manager and artists. For transcript and references: backlogues.sg/episodes/2
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In the second part of Episode 1, host Serene Chen and Mr Arun Mahizhnan talk about the cultural policy that catalysed the establishment of the National Arts Council. Arun shares fascinating anecdotes of his personal and professional relationship with the late theatre doyen Kuo Pao Kun, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between artist and arts manager. For transcript and references: backlogues.sg/episodes/1-2
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In the first part of Episode 1, host Serene Chen joins Mr Arun Mahizhnan on a trip down memory lane, tracing the evolution of the Singapore Arts Festival and the crucial role that corporate sponsorship played in its growth, not just financially but in its operations and organisational management. For transcript and references: backlogues.sg/episodes/1-1
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In this introductory episode, our hosts Charlene Shepherdson and Serene Chen delve into the mysterious and unsung world of the arts manager in Singapore, and discuss the origins and objectives of Backlogues, the arts management podcast. They reminisce and muse about what arts management means to each of them, both personally as well as in the trajectories of their professional careers in the literary arts sector (Charlene) and the theatre industry (Serene). They outline the time periods of Singapore’s arts management history, sharing what listeners can expect in the upcoming episodes, and touch on its role as a process of research and documentation through the methodology of oral history. For transcript and references: backlogues.sg/episodes/0
