The Singapore Arts Festival 2009 announced details of its 2009 programme and ticket specials for patrons. The Festival organised by the National Arts Council will be showcasing 26 core productions and over 400 free outreach performances, exhibitions and special events that promise to enthrall, engage and uplift the spirits.
The programme features 7 new commissions, which include 2 world premieres and 1 Asian premiere co-commissioned with international partners, and 5 other Asian premieres. The Festival will see a broad and inclusive programme ranging from premier classics to contemporary creations, while it continues its strategic role as a global connector in the international festival circuit, a champion of Singapore arts and artists, and a national platform for the people to engage in the arts.
Said Ms Goh Ching Lee, Senior Director for Performing Arts and Director for Singapore Arts Festival, National Arts Council, “As the premier national performing arts platform, we seek to reflect and respond to international trends as well as to add value to the needs of our artists and audiences in developing Singapore arts scene with a progamme that is relevant to our times. This year’s Festival brings a broad range of works that we are confident will resonate strongly with our artist communities, audiences and stakeholders. Pervading the programme is a sense of dare and playfulness that is laced with poetry and elegance, offering our audiences different entry points of appreciation and participation. They bear the Festival’s signature strengths of bringing new perspectives to cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary work that continues to secure the Festival's reputation for artistic innovation.”
The Festival will commence a week earlier this year, on 15 May 2009, to integrate partially with the school term to enable the delivery of special education programmes to primary, secondary and tertiary students. Besides cultivating young audiences through an inspiring and educational arts experience, the Festival also aims to facilitate the exposure of students in our arts colleges to international professional work.
To build stronger links with schools, arts communities and the public, the Festival has launched a new FEST CONNECT initiative. The Festival began engaging the schools in early February, by providing recommendations of programmes suitable for different age groups, and information on discounts and special activities for the schools.
The Festival reaches out to the public at an exciting array of venues. It will open at the new Marina Barrage with a magnificent large-scale show, and end with a spectacular Closing Celebrations at Yishun Central 1. The month-long Festival also features a broad range of Festival Outreach events for the young and old, ranging from the Asian Showcase and Arts On The Move to Family Funfest, a 3-day festival for the family. The Festival will be working with the Esplanade, PUB, Singapore Street Festival, Community Development Councils, and other partners to bring the arts to the wider community.
In order to maintain the Festival accessibility in view of the current economic climate,ticket prices have been reduced by 20%, starting at $16 for some shows. A range of early bird discounts are also available to offer patrons savings off regular ticket prices if they purchase tickets to multiple shows, including exclusive discounts of up to an unprecedented 30% for ArtsFest Club members for a limited period from 4 to 8 March 2009. ArtsFest Club membership is free and all are welcome to register and take advantage of its attractive offers.
During the Early Bird Sales from 9 March to 12 April 2009, patrons can save up to 25% off ticket prices for purchases to 4 shows or more. General Sales begins on 13 April 2009. As an added sweetener, 1,000 specially designed Singapore Arts Festival 2009 ez-link cards will be available for patrons to redeem at Raffles City Shopping Centre with valid SISTIC receipts from 9 March 2009.
In a new tie-up with the Festival’s strategic partner, the Edinburgh International Festival, both new and existing ArtsFest Club members also stand a chance to win an all-expenses paid trip to Edinburgh. To enjoy member benefits immediately, the Festival encourages patrons to sign up with the ArtsFest Club from 4 March 2009.
Ticket sales starts on 4 March 2009.
More information on Festival shows can be found in www.singaporeartsfest.com.
Anna Karenina- Finnish National Ballet (Finland)
Sutra. Photo by Hugo Glendinning
Magic Flute (South Africa)
www.singaporeartsfest.com / www.singaporesights.com