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.
[NEW] [Singapore] $20m top-up to the Arts and Culture Resilience Package
The Singapore government has just announced a top-up to the Arts and Culture Resilience Package (ACRP). These will cover the following schemes:
1) Self-Employed Person (SEP) Grant for arts and culture freelancers to collaborate on projects (up to $50,000 per project)
2) The Business Transformation Fund (BTF) to support the transformation of arts and culture organisations to be more efficient and sustainable
NAC aims to launch both grants by June 2021.
3) Second tranche of ACRP Operating Grant for organisations
4) Extension of the 80% venue hire subsidy for another 3 months (till June 2021)
[NEW] [Malaysia] CENDANA-PRISMA Recovery Initiatives
CENDANA has the following initiatives:
1) The Arts Organisation Resilience Funding Programme (for organisations in the arts)
Application deadline: 31 March
2) The Arts Venue Recovery Funding Programme (for venue owners)
Application deadline: 9 April
3) Visual Arts Showcase Funding Programme (for those actively engaged in the visual arts sector outside the commercial framework)
Applications open: 22 March
4) Performing Arts Presentation Funding Programme (to support the growth of the performing arts sector)
Applications open: 1 April
5) Adiguru CENDANA Programme (for traditional arts practitioners)
Applications open: 1 April
6) Independent Music Funding Programme (to support the independent music scene)
Applications open: 7 April
[NEW] [Singapore] Clubhouse Discussions by SG COVID-19 Creative/Cultural Professionals & Freelancers Support Group
The SG COVID-19 Creative/Cultural Professionals & Freelancers Support Group hosts a discussion for freelancers and creative professionals on Clubhouse every Wednesday at 10pm. This Facebook support group was first set up in Feb 2020 to share tips, resources and information for creative and cultural workers.
[Singapore] COVID-19 Recovery Grant
Lower- to middle-income employees and self-employed persons (SEPs) who remain financially impacted by COVID-19 may receive up to $700 per month. Apply from now till 31 Dec 2021.
[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] 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. From 1 October 2020, this top-up can be used on all SkillsFuture Credit-eligible courses, and will expire on 31 Dec 2025.
[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 Calls
Dance Nucleus is raising money for young Asian and Australian artists
Dance Nucleus is organising a fundraiser to support young artists from Asia and Australia who are participating in the Certificate Programme for Critical Practice in Contemporary Performance – [CP]3. [CP]3 is a new distance-learning programme by Dance Nucleus (Singapore) aimed to help emerging artists articulate and develop their own artistic practices.
[CP]3 has managed to gather 20 young artists for the programme, and many of them come from countries with little to no government support for the arts. This fundraiser aims to help these artists alleviate some of the financial stress of participating in this programme. The funds collected will be distributed fairly among the artists requesting financial support, and will help them to cover a portion of their programme fees. Please note that contributions are non-tax deductible.
List yourself: Producers SG Directory
The Producers SG Directory is an online database of independent arts producers and managers working in and across Singapore and the region.
This is a growing directory. Producers SG welcomes submissions from producers and arts managers from Singapore, the rest of Southeast Asia, as well as professionals who work regularly with artists and/or platforms in this region.
Open Call: Conservation Research Writing Residency
Rimbun Dahan now offers short-term residencies, between 2 weeks and 3 months, for researchers in environmental conservation issues who need time and space to write up their research for publication.
Applications on a rolling basis from 1 March 2021.
Open Call: Malay-Muslim participants for Both Sides, Now (Malay version)
Both Sides, Now is an arts-based community engagement project on end-of-life issues since 2013. The next edition, DARI KEDUA-DUA BELAH, SEKARANG is focused on engaging the Malay-Muslim community in exploring this conversation.
They are looking for seniors, caregivers and men aged 31-39 to join their Community Engagement Workshops, to share their stories, views and anecdotes on end-of-life with us. A token of gratitude of $30 in cash will be provided to each participant at the end of each workshop.
Open Call: ARTEFACT Artist Residencies with Dance Nucleus
DANCE NUCLEUS welcomes proposals for creative projects that will take place by March 2022. The ARTEFACT programme is open to professional artists working in independent dance and performance. The residency is intended to support the creative development of research based practices.
Deadline: 19 March 2021
Open Call: Stories by Singaporean Tamil women for digital museum of Tamil Women
Brown Voices seeks Singaporean Tamil women to build the story of Singapore’s first digital museum of Tamil Women, and help shape what is remembered (or not) about the Tamil Woman in Singapore. Shortlisted participants will help fashion the museum’s collection and narrative through a series of guided workshops.
Workshop dates: 3, 4, 10, 11 & 18 April
Participants who fit any one of these groups are especially encouraged to apply:
1. Tamil language educators (e.g. School, enrichment, and drama teachers)
2. Entrepreneurs (e.g. Owners of home-based businesses, small-and-medium sized enterprises as well as large enterprises)
3. Care workers (e.g. Doctors, psychologists, social workers, and nurses)
4. Homemakers or housewives
Open Call: Looking for women aged 61 and above for project on intimacy
TWorks invites women, from the age of 61 and above, to participate as co-researchers and co-creators of this project on intimacy. No experience required. We will look at the different dimensions of intimacy, including self-love, friendship, connection with nature, physical touch, and sex. You are invited to share as much as you wish about your thoughts and experiences, through a series of workshops and discussions.
Commitment:
8 & 15 April, 3pm – 5pm — first two group sessions
May to June — 2 to 4 one-on-one or small group meetings
Open Call: AE x Goethe-Institut Critical Writing Micro-Residency 2021/2022
ArtsEquator and Goethe-Institut Singapore are pleased to announce the launch of the inaugural AE x Goethe-Institut Critical Writing Micro-Residency 2021/2022. This is a digital micro-residency focusing on the development and promotion of critical writing about arts and culture in Southeast Asia. The residency programme is unique in its positioning of the online editorial space as a generative, discursive and even playful space, providing speculations on what the next generation of critical arts writing in the region can look like.
Following the open call, 6 Southeast Asian writers will be selected to undertake a two-month residency each, between May 2021 – May 2022.
Deadline: 31 March 2021
Open Call: The Makers Lab by The Finger Players
The Maker’s Lab is an initiative by The Finger Players to nurture and grow builders and designers of puppets and objects.
As one of Singapore’s key industry stakeholders in the design and build of puppets, The Finger Players hopes to continue innovating the way it presents puppetry, while plugging the gap in the industry where makers of performative objects face a lack of opportunities to research and develop their artistic curiosities and techniques.
The Maker’s Lab aims to:
– Develop and promote puppetry and puppet-making in Singapore
– Pioneer a culture of research and experimentation in the creative process
– Nurture a strong team of Singaporean makers and designers who would possess unique aesthetic sensibilities
Deadline: 31 March 2021
Open Call: The Fellowship Programme by The Finger Players
The Finger Players has opened applications for its Fellowship Programme. The Fellowship Programme is a year-long leadership development programme for mid-career theatre practitioners, who may or may not have engaged with puppetry previously, but have a keen interest in deepening their understanding about the craft of puppetry. The Fellow will be given a wholistic, hands-on experience within the annual programming of The Finger Players (TFP). They will be paid a project fee.
Deadline: 31 March 2021
Open Call: Proposals for the future of The Substation
The Board of The Substation is calling for “credible, substantial and sustainable proposals for the continuation of The Substation that are true to the values of The Substation: to be a safe, creative, non-judgmental space for artistic experimentation and challenging perspectives, open to all.”
Deadline: 20 April 2021
Open Call: Asia Connection: Producers Camp 2021
With the rise of its economies and culture in the 21st century, Asia is receiving more attention globally. In the coming post-pandemic era, it is crucial that performing arts producers, venues, and institutions come together in collaboration and develop channels through which they can creatively voice their respective cultures, shape individual creative vocabularies, and construct an Asian cultural identity.
The National Theater & Concert Hall (NTCH) is joining hands with cultural institutions such as the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre to develop regional productions and professional producers in Asia. Through this three-year training programme, it hopes to build a strong and lasting Asia Connection production network – a co-production eco-system within the Asia-Pacific region – and strengthen productions’ potential to be seen by audiences internationally.
Workshop schedule: Each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 31 August-2 September; 7-9 September; and 14-16 September, 2021.
Deadline: 21 April 2021 2359 hrs (GMT+8).
Open Call: Objectifs Short Film Incubator
The Objectifs Short Film Incubator is an initiative presented by Objectifs that focuses on developing short film scripts. The programme is open to Southeast Asian filmmakers working with moving images, and will provide five selected participants with mentorship and a valuable support network as they work on their scripts.
The Objectifs Short Film Incubator will run from 1 July – 18 August 2021. It will be held entirely online.
Deadline: 30 April 2021
Open call: Mural artists for Mint Museum of Toys
MINT Museum of Toys houses a world-class collection of vintage toys and collectable items, including vintage posters, confectionery tin boxes, advertising signs and more in an international award-winning contemporary building on 26 Seah Street.
To celebrate its reopening, the MINT Museum of Toys is organising an open call for mural artists/collectives in Singapore for a site specific project.
Using the theme Peek Into The Future as a point of departure, the proposed mural should illustrate the artist/collective’s interpretation of the possibilities of our future in the ever-evolving landscape of technological advancements and humanity’s place in a utopic future. The proposed work should be an imaginative and interactive mural painted on the feature wall of MINT Museum of Toys at 26 Seah Street with the dimensions of 3.2 meters height by 8.2 meters width.
Please submit your proposal and include:
– A brief write-up on your proposed mural
– A preliminary sketch of your proposed mural
– Artist/Collective Biography & Portfolio
– Budget Sheet
Interested applicants may submit your proposal with the subject header “Mural Proposal” to tanya@emint.com by 20 March 2021. Please email tanya@emint.com should you require more information about MINT Museum of Toys and/or this project.
Call for applications: NAC Arts Scholarship
The NAC Arts Scholarship aims to nurture outstanding individuals to contribute to the arts and cultural development in Singapore. As future leaders of the arts and culture sector, Scholars will be game changers to push artistic boundaries, and lead their peers to create positive impact for the Singapore community through the arts.
The NAC Arts Scholarship will be offered for full-time arts and arts-related degree programmes at reputable universities or arts institutions in Singapore or overseas. Outstanding arts practitioners/professional may be supported to deepen their knowledge and skills through postgraduate studies in the following priority areas:
– Arts Criticism and Writing
– Arts Management
– Arts Pedagogy
– Arts Research
– Arts and Technology
– Arts for Young Audiences
– Community Arts Practice
– Production, Technical and Stage Management
– Production Design
Deadline: 1 April 2021
Call for Submissions: An Anthology of Christian Poems from the Philippines and Singapore
The Christian faith has generated a rich literary tradition. Much of its spiritual writing has been in the form of religious poetry, which has become much loved. How do you, the contemporary writer, understand the Christian faith today? Who is God to you? What are your most pressing questions, and what have been your greatest struggles and triumphs? This anthology will be edited by Eric Tinsay Valles and Desmond Kon Zhicheng-Mingdé, scheduled for publication in late 2021.
Deadline: 4 April 2021
Open Call: Mahogany Journal’s third edition “Soundscapes”
Mahogany Journal has released its our third open call, “Soundscapes”, seeking out poetry and short stories that respond to South Asian songs. The selected music can be instrumental or lyrical (in English or any South Asian language), and should preferably be accessible via Spotify or YouTube. It can even be an album.
Writers must be South Asians from or based in Singapore.
Deadline: 11 April 2021
Open for applications: Objectifs Documentary Award 2021 (Open & Emerging categories)
The Objectifs Documentary Award champions Objectifs’ mission to broaden perspectives through image making, by supporting original voices in visual storytelling in Singapore and the wider region. The Award enables photographers to work on new or existing projects, encouraging them to tell stories about their native communities.
1) Open Category
The Open Category is awarded to 1 recipient from Southeast Asia. The recipient will work with curator Kamiliah Bahdar to curate and present a solo exhibition at Objectifs in March 2022, and SGD$2,500 to work on a new or existing body of work.
2) Emerging Category
The Emerging Category will be awarded to 2 recipients from Southeast Asia. Each recipient receives a 6 month-long mentorship with photographer Hannah Reyes Morales, an exhibition at Objectifs in March 2022, and SGD$1,000 to work on a new or existing body of work.
Deadline: 18 April 2021
Open for Submissions: The 2021 Queen Mary Wasafiri New Writing Prize
Representing more of the globe than any other prize of its kind, the Queen Mary Wasafiri New Writing Prize is opening its doors for 2021 and welcoming work in fiction, poetry, and life writing from unpublished writers around the world.
Winners will receive £1,000 each, and all fifteen shortlisted writers will be offered mentoring and career guidance from partners The Literary Consultancy and The Good Literary Agency. Past winners and shortlistees have gone on to score deals with major international publishing houses such as Verso, Peepal Tree Press, and HarperCollins India and to be shortlisted for and win prizes including the TS Eliot Prize, Ambit Short Fiction, and Bocas Poetry Prize, among very many others.
Deadline: 31 May 2021
New Awards for the Best Undergraduate Critical Essays on Singapore Literature
Singapore Unbound, a NYC-based literary non-profit, has just announced three awards of USD250.00 each for the best three undergraduate critical essays on topics in Singapore literature. The purpose of these awards is to encourage the teaching and study of Singapore literature at college level and the cultivation of general appreciation for the character and achievements of Singapore literature.
Deadline: 12 July 2021
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 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
GroundZ-0: Producer (Comm Wing)
GroundZ-0 is looking for a passionate individual who is interested in Community interactions. He/She will work closely with the Creative Director to develop/propose/plan/execute projects for our community wing.
They are looking for individual with the following qualities:
– You must have a passion for community projects
– You embrace Singapore languages i.e. Singlish, Mandarin, Dialects, Malay, Tamil… And all other possible languages. Basically, you love the ‘Rojak-ness’ of Singapore
– You are experienced in the groundwork for community projects i.e. you know where to go to look for lobangs and MONEY! (However, GroundZ-0 will also consider young producer who is willing to learn and have great interest)
– You are able to converse, write and understand English and you also know another additional language (preferably mother-tongue). The more the merrier…
– You enjoy fulfilling the budget i.e. meaning – taking sponsorships, funding and commissions as exciting challenges
Norwegian Cultural Center Singapore: Ticket Sales Associate
Norwegian Cultural Center Singapore is producing a theatre production based on a Norwegian children’s novel and need a Ticket Sales Associate to help achieve a full house for all 47 shows in June 2021.
The ideal candidate should be:
– Passionate about the arts
– Have a good sales portfolio / background / experience
– Well-connected in the industry
– An honest and ethical worker
– Willing to work on a commission basis
– Understand our target market of pre-schools, primary schools and corporates
Bonus points if you speak Norwegian or know about Norwegian culture!
This position is on a commission basis.
Commencement date: ASAP
Please submit a cover letter and CV to hei@norwegianculturalcenter.sg with the Subject Title: Ticket Sales Associate to apply.
OH! Open House: Marketing & Communications Manager
OH! Open House is looking for its next marketing and communications manager. You will be the craftsman behind communications initiatives and campaigns for the organisation, develop a variety of skills and have a hand in bringing art closer to the masses.
NUS Museum: Internship May-July 2021
The NUS Museum Internship Programme offers opportunities for all undergraduate and graduate students to explore museum careers across its various units. Through this internship, NUS Museum hopes to provide research opportunities, develop professional skills and access to mentorship, while building rapport with students to encourage their interests in the arts and heritage. Internships at the NUS Baba House are also managed through this programme, focusing on studies, programmes and exhibitions around the Straits Chinese culture, and tasks specific to a heritage house.
The official duration of the internship is from 10 May – 30 July 2021 (12 weeks) during the NUS vacation period.
There are 9 positions available.
Intercultural Theatre Institute: Research Assistant (contract, full-time or part-time)
Intercultural Theatre Institute (ITI) is looking for an individual with a keen interest in research, the performing arts and culture to assist on an upcoming research project “Actor Training & the Intercultural” which will run from (Jan 2021 to December 2023). In this role, you will provide support in the conduct of research to study, understand and analyse the ITI actor training process and pedagogy, and the significance of the intercultural context in which it happens.
NTU CCA: Assistant Director, Research & Academic Programmes
NTU Centre for Contemporary Art is looking for someone to focus on research management and grant management.
Raw Moves: Dancer/Apprentice
-Trained Contemporary and/or Ballet dancer (dancers formally trained in other styles are also welcome to apply);
-Interested in interdisciplinary works;
-Receptive to work creatively and collectively;
Audition: Ballet, Contemporary Dance, Solo Work (3 mins) and Improvisation.
To apply, kindly email Curriculum Vitae and Headshot to rawmoves.main@gmail.com. Only shortlisted applicants will be notified. Applicant must be Singaporean Citizen or Permanent Resident. All travelling and accommodation expenses, if any, will be borne by participants.
Raw Moves: Marketing & Communications Executive (Part-time)
Raw Moves is looking for someone to publicise and promote RAW Moves’ performance platforms and programmes so as to increase awareness and visibility of RAW Moves.
Job Requirements:
-To publicise and promote RAW Moves’ performance platforms and programmes so as to increase awareness and visibility of RAW Moves.
-Strong knowledge in Adobe Creative Cloud – Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Premiere Pro or any relevant softwares.
To apply, kindly email Curriculum Vitae and Headshot to rawmoves.manager@gmail.com. Only shortlisted applicants will be notified. Applicant must be Singaporean Citizen or Permanent Resident.
Singapore Art Museum: Curator (Media & Technology)
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 – in particular, on media and technology in art – to support institutional policies and goals on exhibition programming, collection development and publications.
– Curate exhibitions and artwork commissions, develop collaborative and cross-disciplinary projects.
– Undertake and develop exhibitions and projects including conceptualisation, negotiations with external institutions and artists, and co-ordination of general exhibition matters.
– Demonstrate thought leadership in the field through sharing of knowledge at conferences, talks and publications.
Other curatorial positions are also available in the link below:
National Gallery Singapore: Assistant Curator/Curator
The incumbent will contribute to the development and implementation of the Gallery’s exhibitions, acquisitions and related physical and digital programmes, particularly in the field of interdisciplinary practices such as performance and time-based media.
Responsibilities include:
– Lead project teams in development and execution of small-scale exhibitions.
– Conceive, plan and execute exhibitions and programmes including negotiations with lenders and collaborative institutions, as well as co-ordination of general exhibition matters.
– Work with other teams (Marketing, PD, IP, AEM) to provide content and support for exhibition related matters.
– Work with other teams in developing and executing programmes and tours for audience and stakeholder engagement.
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.
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.