A Note from the Co-Artistic Director: A New 'Normal'

I wish to take this opportunity to introduce some of my thoughts on the new 2020/21 Substation programming under the co-directorship of Raka and myself. 

I have been thinking about the role of The Substation in the art world today. As the world seems increasingly conservative, I see the need for our art world to reflect more diversity as it helps us understand different worldviews and embrace a spirit of openness needed to cope with the uncertainties we face today. I intend to increase the intensity and diversity of our programming by introducing different art forms and practices into The Substation. 

There are two threads of thought which will guide the direction for The Substation and they are 'Coming Home' and 'Reterritorialization'.

'Coming Home' can be understood on different levels. On one level, 'Coming Home' is a conscious effort to use every inch of space at The Substation to allow meaningful projects to take place.

'Coming Home' is also a broader campaign inviting people, allies, friends, and fellow institutions back 'home' to The Substation, Home of the Arts. 'Coming Home' is ultimately about bringing The Substation "values" to the world at large. We need to remember that art is much more than commodity and spectacles. Art, in its diversity, has agency and potency to affect the world.

'Reterritorialization' is a thread to expand The Substation's capacity as a part of the art network and outreach. 'Reterritorialization' is about growing and extending The Substation's work to the world. 

If 'Coming Home' is about remaking and reminding everyone that the 'home' is still here and still relevant, 'Reterritorialization' is about how The Substation can create engagement with the world outside. 'Reterritorialization' is a thread for The Substation to make places in the world (locally and internationally) and to engage in a collaborative approach to cultural production.

The original plan was to introduce our programmes in April, starting with 'Coming Home' season which will provide a 'sampling' of the year's programmes. With the COVID-19 situation, a new 'normal' has emerged and this has made us reconsider our strategy for the year. We have decided to continue online because the work for the 'home for the arts' should never stop. 

I would start by introducing the cohort of artists in our Associate Artist Programme (AAP) 2020/21. This year's selection is based on artists who engage in collaborative and collective practices. Many of the artists in our AAP cohort are active organisers and key members in their community. Their participation at The Substation can highlight and show us different approaches to artistic practice.  

Lastly, the AAP forms an important core for the year as we will curate programmes based on the research trajectories identified from the AAP cohort. The research trajectories give a greater definition and shape to our programmes, as they each express the concerns of our AAP artists and their practice — through interdisciplinary lines. 

cheers,
Woon Tien Wei