ArtsEquator Lobang is a list of available open calls, job postings and other opportunities open to people from Singapore and Southeast Asia. “Lobang”, a Malay word for “hole”, is used in Singlish as a shorthand for an opportunity, valuable contact or a tip.
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Info & Resources | Open Calls | Jobs
Info & Resources
Note: Info on reliefs, grants and packages by the Singapore government can be found here.
[Application window extended] [Singapore] Arts and Culture Resilience Package: Digital Presentation Grant for the Arts (DPG)
Under the Digitalisation Fund, NAC will support the arts and culture organisations’ and practitioners’ efforts to enhance the digitalisation of their work. The Digital Presentation Grant (DPG) is a time-limited scheme that aims to support efforts by artists and arts organisations to present their work in digital form or via digital mediums, during this COVID-19 period.
The application window will be extended to 14 Sept 2020 (5pm). Proposed projects are to be completed by 31 March 2021.
Successful applicants may receive up to $20,000 per project.
[Application window extended] [Singapore] Arts and Culture Resilience Package (ACRP): Capability Development Scheme for the Arts (CDSA)
The National Arts Council (NAC) will provide a one-time Capability Development Scheme for the Arts (CDSA) for eligible arts organisations and individuals to encourage upskilling, and grow organisational capabilities.
The application window will be extended to 14 Sept 2020 (5pm). Proposed training programmes are to be completed by 31 March 2021.
NAC lists courses here. For freelancers, Arts Resource Hub has a list of some training areas and suggested courses here.
[Malaysia] Performing Arts Presentation Funding Programme
CENDANA’s Performing Arts Presentation Funding Programme aims to support development of the performing arts sector through initiatives that support creation, research, networking, facilitation of arts projects, upskilling, as well as mobility and promotion of Malaysian made showcases.
The Performing Arts Presentation Funding Programme provides funding up to RM 30,000 per application, supporting individuals, collectives and arts organisations in its activities to deliver an artistic program or services for the arts which may cover one or any of the below project purpose and criteria to be implemented from mid-October 2020 onwards.
Deadline: 27 August 2020
[Malaysia] Arts Organisation Resilience Funding Programme
Arts Organisation Resilience Funding Programme provides support to registered artistic organisations, associations and societies across the performing arts, visual arts and independent music sectors for arts continuity, development for resilience and supporting sustainability. The aim of the funding programme includes supporting practice and operations of Malaysian arts organisations nationwide. Arts Organisation Resilience Funding Programme supports up to RM 150,000 per arts organisation for the
Deadline: 16 August 2020
[Malaysia] Art in the City Public Art Commissioning Programme
Art in the City Public Art Commissioning Programme is an initiative to make art a part of our urban spaces and bring arts closer to Malaysians. It aims to achieve this by commissioning public art/ community arts-based programmes that present public arts engagement in spaces where Malaysians live, work and play.
Deadline: 27 August 2020
[Malaysia] CENDANA Craft Industry Choice
CENDANA Craft Industry Choice aims to elevate the Malaysian handicrafts industry by offering recognition and special acknowledgement to Malaysian artisans, craft makers and producers of traditional crafts and endangered trades for the sustainability of the Malaysian craft economy – distinguishing them for their excellence in craftsmanship made with a significant degree of hand skill upon manufacture.
Through a multipronged approach, the CENDANA Craft Industry Choice selects and incentivises equitable skilled artisans, craft makers, producers through intermediaries that are actively engaged in the Malaysian craft sector nationwide up to RM30,000 for the development and production of their products as well as to support the maintenance and improvement of their infrastructure.
Deadline: 17 September 2020
[Singapore] Self-Employed Person Income Relief Scheme (SIRS)
The government has announced a relief scheme for self-employed persons, including arts freelancers. Applications and appeals are managed by NTUC, and will be made online on 20 April 2020.
[Singapore] Sing Lit Station HALP Fund
The HALP Fund is a discretionary fund used by Sing Lit Station to support literary arts practitioners in the creation and presentation of their work in any form. It also aims to provide subsistence funds during tough times. The maximum quantum will be $500 per application. Applications will be held year-round until 31 March 2021 or until funds are fully disbursed, whichever comes first.
[Singapore] SAMPP COVID-19 Relief Fund
Singapore Association of Motion Picture Professionals are offering grants for filmmakers and others in the film industry.
[Singapore] Free legal clinics for arts practitioners
[Singapore] Resources aggregated by Singapore Drama Educators Association
[Singapore] SkillsFuture Top-Up
Adult Singaporeans aged 25 and above will receive a one-off $500 SkillsFuture Credit top-up. Eligible individuals can start using the additional credit from 1 October 2020. Singaporeans aged 40 to 60 will receive a special $500 SkillsFuture Credit top-up. This will be over and above the $500 SkillsFuture Credit top-up for Singapore Citizens aged 25 and above. Eligible individuals can start using the SkillsFuture Credit provided under this package from 1 October 2020, on about 200 career transition programmes offered by the Continuing Education and Training (CET) Centres.
[Singapore] Self-Employed Persons Training Support Scheme
All Self-Employed Persons will be entitled to between $7.50-$11 an hour of training allowance for SkillsFuture series courses and selected sector-specific training programmes. This will be administered by NTUC.
More info can be found here.
[Singapore] Singapore Unbound Relief Fund (SURF)
Singapore Unbound has decided to postpone this year’s writing fellowships to Southeast Asia and to commit the funds instead to aid Singaporean writers badly affected by the shutdowns. Creative writers, whether they are Singapore citizens living anywhere in the world or Permanent Residents of Singapore, may apply for a USD200/SGD280 grant from the Singapore Unbound Relief Fund with no strings attached. This fund is specifically intended to help those in dire need of immediate help. Donations to this fund are also welcome.
Open for application now.
[Singapore] Survey on Current Practices in Theatre
A working group of theatre practitioners are drafting a paper on good practices and/or a code of conduct in theatre, with the intent of advocating for better practices in the theatre industry in Singapore.
They are calling for freelancers to fill in this survey.
Join the Facebook Group here.
[Singapore] SG COVID-19 Creative/Cultural Professionals & Freelancers Support Group
A Facebook support group sharing tips, resources and information for creative and cultural workers.
[Singapore] ArtsComm
Online forum and Facebook Group for members of the arts community in Singapore.
COVID-19 and Freelance Artists
An aggregated list of free resources, opportunities, and financial relief options available to artists of all disciplines worldwide.
Open Calls
Call for Applications: CENDANA/ASWARA Arts Writing and Mentorship Programme
This Arts Writing and Mentorship Programme is a CENDANA initiative in collaboration with Akademi Seni Budaya Dan Warisan Kebangsaan (ASWARA). This masterclass is specifically targeted for emerging art writers, young art critics, or professional writers who want to explore and refine their critical skills in the field of arts writing/ art criticism relating to performing arts, visual arts, music, crafts and more.
Phase 1 (18-20 Sept. 2020) Arts Writing Masterclass
Phase 2 (1st October 2020 – 28 February 2021) Arts Writing Mentorship
Deadline: 21 August 2020
Open Call: Short works for Esplanade’s da:ns fest
da:ns festival 2020 is calling for proposals for short works in any dance form, style or mode of presentation. Up to eight works will be selected, all of which will then be presented at this year’s da:ns festival in October. The completed works will be filmed and screened free-to-view across Esplanade’s online platforms. This open call is for independent dance artists in Singapore.
Deadline: 24 August 2020
Call for submissions: Singapore International Film Festival SGIFF 2020
Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) has been a key cultural institution for film appreciation in Singapore. Over the last 30 editions, it has built a strong following of film lovers and filmmakers who are committed to supporting the Festival. The 31st SGIFF returns 26 Nov – 6 Dec 2020.
Submissions are welcome for the following programmes:
FILMS
SGIFF welcomes Asian films and Southeast Asian Shorts to be part of its Competition section and Official Selection. Learn more
SOUTHEAST ASIAN FILM LAB
A story development lab for feature-length screenplays open to emerging filmmakers from Southeast Asia. Learn more
YOUTH JURY & CRITICS PROGRAMME
A workshop that seeks to nurture a new generation of critical writers on Asian and Southeast Asian cinema for youths in Singapore. Learn more
Deadline: 24 August 2020
Rimbun Dahan Southeast Asian Arts Residency (Sept-Dec 2020)
Malaysian artists/arts practitioners in any genre (visual or performing arts, writers, arts managers, curators etc.) are invited to apply for residencies at Rimbun Dahan from September to December 2020. Allowance of RM1000/month provided in addition to accommodation and studio space. Residencies 1-3 months, longer term preferred.
Deadline: 31 August 2020
Call for applications: Open Call – Networking Travel to Germany
The Goethe-Institut is thrilled to launch an initiative that will enable both established and emerging founders, leaders, and managers of art spaces from Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand to network with counterparts in Germany. Focusing on art spaces and collaborative projects, this program aims to create an environment in which every participant can thrive and unlock their full potential, which in turn will finally lead to a long-term exchange and cooperation among its participants.
Participants must be based in one of these countries: Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam.
ONLINE MEETINGS | 20 September – 10 October 2020
MEET UP AND SITE VISIT in Berlin, Germany | Spring/Summer 2021
Deadline: 31 August 2020, 5pm
Open Call: Virtual360 Konnect | Emerging Arts Leaders Residency Series
ASEF with the support of KONNECT ASEAN, an ASEAN Foundation arts and cultural programme funded by the Republic of Korea, are pleased to invite proposals for a new virtual residency series and online capacity building to support cultural exchange amongst emerging artists and cultural practitioners across all arts disciplines from the ASEAN region and the Republic of Korea. Each residency will pair 2 participants (one ASEAN national and one Republic of Korea national) who will collaborate online for a period of one month. The result will be one jointly written article and one podcast or video interview published on culture360.ASEF.org. Each participant will be disbursed a fee of USD 500 to take part in the residency.
Deadline: 5 September 2020
Permisi Open Stage – Open for applications
The 8th edition of Permisi: Open Stage is happening on 25 September 2020. Permisi is a non-curated programme for anyone to share or collect feedback for any brewing idea or creation with our larger community. This open programme is designed for of all levels of training and experience.
Deadline: 10 September 2020
Call for applications: The Wright Stuff Festival 2021 by TOY Factory Productions
The Wright Stuff is a playwright incubation-mentorship programme that aims to stage 3 new plays, by 3 new playwrights under the mentorship of Toy Factory Productions Ltd Chief Artistic Director, Goh Boon Teck. This season, The Wright Stuff Festival focuses on the theme: “Inwards.” Submitted scripts/work-in-progress should relatively demonstrate the stories of self-
reflection, community and/or humanity.
Deadline: 24 September 2020, 5pm (Singapore time)
Open Call: Arts Encounters 2021/2022
Art Outreach Singapore is looking for creative proposals for its #ArtEncountersSG programme, a mobile artist’s studio and gallery housed in repurposed shipping containers that was launched during Singapore Art Week 2020. It’s looking for 4 artists each year with exciting ideas for a site-specific installation to activate two 20ft shipping containers. Art Outreach will cover all material, production and installation costs, and an artist fee.
Deadline: 25 September 2020
Open Call: HIAP | Long-distance & Land-Based Trans-Siberian railway trip
HIAP – Helsinki International Artist Programme launches a call for participants for a Long-distance & Land-Based | Trans-Siberian railway trip. The application is open to anyone interested in questions related to travelling, active in the field of art, research and with an interest in ecological and environmental questions.
With the aim of finding tools, mapping and testing options as well as solutions for travelling we are looking for participants for an east-bound trip from Finland going through Russia (and China) to Japan. The group will plan the trip starting from Helsinki together – deciding the amount of stops, activities and duration – but it is good to keep in mind that the travel will take at least one and a half months.
The group will be formed in September 2020 and the trip is to be planned, dependent on the situation for the year 2021-2022.
Deadline: 31 August 2020
Call for entries: Singapore at Home: Life across Lines
Singapore at Home: Life across Lines calls for an urgent reflection on everyday life in the island-state, on the pleasures and frustrations that the word “home” embodies.
The editors are looking for short stories (between 2,000-3,000 words) by writers above 21 years of age (no poetry, no non- fiction). Email anthologypni@gmail.com for enquiries and submissions. Publication of the anthology is anticipated in early 2021.
Deadline: 30 September 2020
Pameran Poskad: Open Call
Pameran Poskad 2020 is a gathering of postcard-sized artworks exhibited by internationally renowned artists, alongside masterpieces created by hobbyists and laymen. Anyone can be an artist! In its seventh edition, about 4,000 pieces of artwork by over 400 participating artists from Singapore and around the world will be jointly exhibited at a public gallery, with workshops and artwork sales from $10 to $1000.
Pameran Poskad (meaning ‘postcard exhibition’ in Malay) is a community art exhibition that shares the joy of experiencing art as creators, appreciators, and collectors.
Deadline: 1 October 2020
Call for Entries: Poetry anthology on pain
Desmond Kon Zhicheng-Mingdé and Eric Tinsay Valles are looking for poems for a new anthology, Atelier of Healing: Poetry About Trauma and Recovery.
Deadline: 2 October 2020
Open Call for Theatre Arts Conference 2021
SDEA invites proposal applications responding to the theme of Creative Disruption: Exploring New Ground for its next edition of the Theatre Arts Conference.
The SDEA Theatre Arts Conference 2021 will be conducted digitally. It will take place from Saturday 22 May 2021 to Sunday 30 May 2021.
Deadline: 4 October 2020, 11.59pm (Sg time)
Open Call: 39th UOB Painting of the Year (SG/ID/MY/TH)
Inaugurated in 1982, the annual art competition is the longest-running in Singapore and one of the most recognised in Southeast Asia. Held in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, the competition aims to uncover the next generation of great Southeast Asian artists, and contribute to greater awareness and appreciation of art.
Theme: Solidarity
Deadline: 11 October 2020
Open Call: IMPART Awards 2021
The IMPART Awards is an art prize that aims to support the professional development of emerging talent in visual arts in Singapore by providing impactful career building opportunities. In this fourth edition, the prize will award three winners (in the artist or curator category). Each winner will receive a cash award and an international exchange with visits to renowned art institutions, providing valuable exposure to leading practitioners. 3 visual art talents will each win a SGD 20,000 prize.
Deadline: 16 October 2020
Open Call: Tentacles 2020 Artist in Residence [Thailand]
Bangkok-based art space Tentacles is looking for artists, designers, researchers and creators of all disciplines to apply for its AIR programme. This programme is for creators who aim to develop new body of works, conduct research or experiment and focus on their practice.
Duration: 2 – 3 months
No. of Artists: 1-3
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Tentacles is a self-sustaining, official non-profit organisation which is not able to offer free or sponsored residencies. Residency fees for fully funded or grant receiver is THB 32,000 (~USD960).
Call for pitches: so-far Issue 4: Platforms
so-far is a platform for both emerging and established writers which publishes long-form writing, deep dialogues, or experimental formats from letter-writing, speculative fiction, creative non-fiction, ekphrastic poetry, and more. It is calling for pitches for its next issue now.
Call for content
National Youth Council and Creative Nation Singapore are looking for content creators for a new content channel to develop opportunities and jobs during and post circuit breaker. Payment will be between SGD100-150 for content between 10 to 35 minutes long.
Call for Submissions: The Tiger Moth Review
The Tiger Moth Review, a new and independent eco-conscious journal from Singapore, is calling for submissions of poetry, prose, art and photography that emphasises the connections between “human activity and the environment that produces it”, work that displays an “awareness of ecology and concerns over environmental disaster” (“Ecopoetics”, Poetry Foundation).
They are looking for work that is eco-conscious and critical, work that celebrates the beauty/ bounty of nature, work that is cognisant, curious and contemplative of the relationships between humanity, modernity, cultures and the environments in which we live in or imagine ourselves to inhabit.
Submissions for Issue 5 (Jan 20201) now open.
Jobs
Esplanade: Project Assistant – Programming (Visual Arts)
This is a 1-year full time contract position. You will have a varied role including planning and execution of programmes, events, special projects, marketing, administration and logistics.
NUS Centre for the Arts: Assistant/Associate Director (Marketing Communications)
Job Purpose
– Strategise and implement an innovative, integrated communication and marketing plan that will strengthen CFA’s brand, profile its component units; the NUS Museum, Baba House, UCC, Talent Development unit and programming such as the NUS Arts Fest and ExxonMobil Campus Concert series. This is to boost engagement with students, connect with arts practitioners for collaborations which will create more learning opportunities for our students.
– Oversee the creation, design and execution of all collaterals, social and online platforms and coordinate outreach strategies to ensure clarity and consistency in branding and positioning. Besides engagement, this will help nurture an arts community on-campus where our students could find more opportunities for interaction with the arts and each other.
– Support the promotion of the arts on campus and recruitment of students to the CFA groups.
NTU CCA: Assistant Director, Research & Academic Programmes
NTU Centre for Contemporary Art is looking for someone to focus on research management and grant management.
National Gallery Singapore: Curator/Assistant Curator/Curatorial Assistant
The Curator/Assistant Curator/Curatorial Assistant will contribute to the development and implementation of the Gallery’s exhibitions, acquisitions and related programmes on ink media, with an emphasis on the 19th and 20th centuries.
More vacancies in the link below.
Singapore Art Museum: Curator, Digital
Responsibilities include:
– Contribute to the development of digital technology projects and programming in support of institutional policies and goals.
– Curate exhibitions and artwork commissions, develop collaborative and cross-disciplinary projects.
– Work closely with museum colleagues and external/technology partners to realise projects, including conceptualisation, development, negotiations and coordination.
Singapore Art Museum: Assistant Curator
Responsibilities include:
– Research and contribute to scholarship on present-day contemporary art globally, with a focus on practices in Singapore, Southeast Asia and Asia.
– Develop areas of research specialisation to support institutional policies and goals on exhibition programming, collection development and publications.
– With guidance from Curator/Senior Curator, curate/co-curate or organise exhibitions and artwork commissions, develop collaborative and cross-disciplinary projects.
Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth: Senior Manager/Manager/Assistant Manager (Arts and Heritage)
You will play a part in shaping Singapore’s arts and heritage landscape, and creating an environment conducive to excellence in the sector, developing connections betweenSingaporeans, and positioning Singapore globally through culture. You will support MCCY’s efforts to contribute to a caring people, a cohesive society, and a confident and united nation. You will develop specialist knowledge of and monitor trends and developments in the arts and heritage sector, including adjustments required as a result of COVID-19. You will work closely with political appointment holders, senior management, public officers in other Ministries, key Statutory Boards such as the National Arts Council and the National Heritage Board, as well as cultural institutions such as national museums and arts venues. You will also work with economic agencies to develop the arts and heritage sector.
As a Policy Officer, you will be required to provide policy and planning analysis and advice on key areas such as sector and industry development strategies programmes and initiatives, partnerships with key stakeholders, and cultural diplomacy. You will have the opportunity to participate in division-, organisation- and public sector-wide initiatives.
Applications close: 26 Aug 2020
National Arts Council: Manager/ Assistant Manager, Sector Development (Music)
You will contribute to the development of the Singapore music sector. This includes contributing to the formulation of strategies, planning, and programme implementation, as well as supporting the development of music professionals and organisations. You will build strong relationships with these individuals and organisations. Through a range of assistance schemes and programmes, including grants, arts spaces, and other developmental platforms, you will work with the music sector to achieve various goals, including the development of quality work and programmes that connect with audiences, supporting efforts to identify and engage new audiences for their work and art form locally and internationally, and continuing education and training for professional development.
Applications close: 27 Aug 2020
Institute of Technical Education: Lecturer – Performance Production
As a Lecturer, your contributions go beyond teaching and facilitating learning. You play a critical role in recognising and nurturing your students’ potential and their lifelong learning needs. In addition, you will carry out industry or consultancy projects to help you remain relevant in your profession and to evolving changes in industry, and maintain strong linkages with industry and schools. You will also have the opportunity to have industry attachments or experience on a regular basis to update your skills, knowledge and practices of your profession. Those with good and relevant experience can look forward to Senior Lecturer or equivalent positions, with career development opportunities to leadership positions in the Colleges or Headquarters.
Applications close: 27 Aug 2020
National Arts Council: #SGUnited Assistant Manager / Manager / Senior Manager, Sector Development (Performing Arts)
You will contribute to the development of the Performing Arts sector through the formulation of strategies, planning and programme implementation to support the development of the industry. This will include implementing initiatives to address the challenges arising from the Covid-19 pandemic and developing industry-level responses.
Applications close: 1 Sep 2020
Republic Polytechnic: School of Technology for the Arts – Lecturer (Sonic Arts)
Responsibilities include:
– Develop and teach modules related to Sound Design & Foley Arts, Game Audio Programming, ‘Live’ Sound for Events or Theatre, Instrument Design, Audio Post-Production, Location Sound Recording, Music Production, Music Theory
– Attend lesson briefings as required by your subject/module manager
– Supervise students in portfolio development, final year projects and internship
Applications close: 9 Sep 2020
SOTA: Teacher, Faculty of Visual Arts
Responsibilities include:
– Development and delivery of curriculum to a range of visual arts classes of different levels and technical proficiencies. The curriculum includes both studio practice and theory and history of art.
– Monitoring and evaluation of student progress, including providing useful and timely feedback to students and other stakeholders.
– Preparation and conduct of assessment of student learning
More roles available in the link below.
SOTA: Subject Head, Faculty of Visual Arts
The Subject Head of the Visual Arts faculty plays an important role in providing quality and rigorous art education by working closely with the Head in leading and developing the faculty towards nurturing students’ abilities in seeing and creating meaningful connections through a diversity of artistic processes and expressions.
Responsibilities include:
– Development and delivery of curriculum to a range of visual arts classes of different levels and technical proficiencies. The curriculum includes both studio practice and theory and history of art.
– Monitoring and evaluation of student progress, including providing useful and timely feedback to students and other stakeholders.
– Preparation and conduct of assessment of student learning.
ArtsEquator Lobang: Open Calls and Job Opportunities (Singapore/SEA) is presented by ArtsEquator.
Note: All information is correct at the time of publication. Please confirm directly with the organisers’ websites. ArtsEquator shall have no liability for the accuracy of the information and cannot be held liable for any third-party claims or losses of any damages.
If you have an open call or a job opportunity you’d like us to highlight, please email contact[at]artsequator.com.
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About the author(s)
Nabilah Said is an award-winning playwright, editor and cultural commentator. She is also an artist who works with text across various artforms and formats. Her plays have been staged in Singapore and London, including ANGKAT, which won Best Original Script at the 2020 Life Theatre Awards. Nabilah is the former editor of ArtsEquator.