First Public Announcement- 2009 August

Finally the first public announcement was made – in late August, sending our ‘call’ via media release, direct mail, website, social media and e-groups.

“ The Substation, one of Singapore's most important contemporary arts centres, is looking for a new Artistic Director. We are a space that is versatile and open to a wide range of arts and cultural practices, but we also aim to challenge artists. If you are interested in helming an organisation that is a crucible for innovation in the arts, and have the requisite experience, we invite you to submit an application.

The Substation, as the name suggests, was previously an electrical power sub-station. The building dates from 1926. In the late 1970s, the sub-station ceased operations and the building was left vacant. Then in the mid-80s, Kuo Pao Kun proposed its conversion to an arts centre, and The Substation opened on 16 September 1990.

Under the visionary direction of founder Kuo Pao Kun, The Substation established itself as a pioneer arts space. Its founding coincided with a burst of local cultural activity. Artists from all disciplines — from theatre to the visual arts — found a congenial home at The Substation, which encouraged them to experiment and risk failure – and then continue. From the start, The Substation has been committed to privileging the artistic process over the product, and to supporting diversity and depth in local culture.

Today, the Singapore cultural landscape has changed significantly, and The Substation is no longer the only contemporary arts space in town. Parallel with these developments has been the increasing global interest in “Asian” contemporary arts. Yet, The Substation remains as relevant and as crucial as ever: it as an incubator of new artistic work, practices and artists; a much-needed gathering point for the arts community, the public, civil society and people of different languages and cultures; a place where young artists and arts groups can have their start; a space for critical discussion; and most importantly, as a place where artists are given the time and space, and the freedom, to create art of significance.

Mission and Vision:

The Artistic Director (AD) is responsible for stewardship of The Substation’s Mission and Vision, which she/he jointly develops with the Board of Directors. The AD is the principle voice of the organisation. As with The Substation, the AD’s role extends beyond the premises of the building, and she/he is expected to provide leadership in the Singapore arts community.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• The Artistic Director inspires the staff and the Board of Directors to do excellent work;
• Develops, implements, and evaluates Substation programmes and activities;
• With the Management, hires, supervises and evaluates all full-time and part-time personnel, including any project-basis programmers, curators, artists, filmmakers, performers, designers, technical and production personnel;
• With the Management and programming staff, develops annual programme budgets;
• With the Management, supervises all operations of the organisation and develops the organisation’s policies;
  
  Acts as a spokesperson for The Substation at various public, social and private functions, including fundraising events and sponsorship solicitations;
• Further develops The Substation’s strong relations with the arts community by participating in community meetings and activities, as well as playing a leadership role when relevant and appropriate;
• Directly curates, directs or produces at least one major production/exhibition/project per year;
• Provides relevant information to the appropriate personnel in relation to license and grant applications, marketing, strategic plans, operations, etc.;
• Reports to the Board of Directors on a regular basis.

The successful candidate will have a proven track record as an arts professional, have experience managing multiple projects, and have a network covering the breadth of art disciplines. She/he should be comfortable in a range of professional situations and in relations with a range of stakeholders including, but not limited to artists, major individual/foundation donors, government and associated bodies, media and the general public.

Salary and benefits are negotiable depending on the candidate’s experience and qualifications”