The end of an era: A SeptFest like no other

A message for SeptFest in March 2021

We rarely see what is in plain sight. For the past 30 years, The Substation has always been here at 45 Armenian Street. For three decades, it was a place for the arts like no other. While many claim that there are various art venues today, I have always stood firm that The Substation is one-of-a-kind. Its openness to interdisciplinary works, the range of emerging artists it has supported and developed over the years, and the issues and concerns of a society that it has highlighted is unequalled in Singapore.

At the end of July, The Substation will be no more, and what was plainly obvious would disappear. It will be the end of an era. Nonetheless, this ending will be marked with a SeptFest like no other. 

In these unprecedented times, although the pandemic has resulted in the shift of SeptFest to March, the festival’s commitment to the presentation and development of new experimental work is undiminished. Something positive that came out of the pandemic is that it has spurred us to take a closer look at our artists at home.

I dedicate this SeptFest not only to the rich and diverse talents we have amongst us but also as our fond farewell gift to Singapore, as we bring you stories from the fringe and the margins.

We hope you will have an enjoyable time at the festival. 

Raka Maitra
Festival Director
Co-Artistic Director, The Substation

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SeptFest 2021: In The Margins
4–28 March 2021

SeptFest is The Substation’s month-long celebration of art, culture and community, held annually to mark The Substation’s anniversary (16 Sept). Themed differently each year, SeptFest features multi and interdisciplinary programmes such as exhibitions, performances, films from Singapore and the region that highlights the diversity and experimentation spirit of The Substation.

Marking the 30th Anniversary of Singapore's first independent home of the arts, and keeping true to The Substation’s spirit of experimentation and celebrating the alternative, The Substation will be highlighting and redefining the stories of the fringe.

Taking on the theme In The Margins, the 4-week festival curated by Co-Artistic Director, Raka Maitra, takes a closer look at the stories of the marginalised, displaced and forgotten communities who are often out of sight. In its abstract interpretation, the festival also features works that highlight the fragility and ephemeralness of spaces, or even the relationships we have with ourselves or the strangers we meet.

Learn more: www.substation.org/septfest2021