Singapore - The Artground, a new arts centre for children aged 12 and below, was officially launched by Member of Parliament Sun Xueling today at Goodman Arts Centre.
Music and movement-based interactive sessions, gardening workshops and multidisciplinary installations are just some of the activities offered by the centre. There are even activities and spaces within the centre which are meant for infants.
The centre will also be a platform for local and international artists across different art forms to create new programmes for young audiences.
The centre is developed by new arts company The Ground Co Limited in collaboration with the National Arts Council (NAC).
The Ground Co Limited was chosen by a panel comprising arts practitioners, NAC and a panel of nine 10- to 12-year-old students from different primary schools.
Throughout this weekend and the rest of the month, The Artground will be debuting a range of mostly free programmes meant for different age groups.
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The Artground
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Where: Block J Goodman Arts Centre, 01-40, 90 Goodman Road
When: Open to the public from Saturday (July 8). Activities will be offered from 11am to 5pm this weekend.
Regular opening hours: Wednesdays to Thursdays: 9.30am to 5.30pm; Fridays to Sundays and public holidays: 9.30am to 6.30pm. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Admission: Entry is free. All activities in July are free as part of an opening special except for Baby Space ($18 a baby and carer). For Baby Space, e-mail booking@theartground.com.sg with your name, contact details, baby's name and birth date. Pre-registration is required for all activities due to limited capacities.
Info: theartground.com.sg
The opening weekend coincides with Tanjong Goodman, an open house involving the residents of Goodman Arts Centre.
Activities offered by the centre include Little Green Thumbs, a gardening workshop by Cultivate Central which has different sessions catering to children aged between three and five; five and eight; and seven and up.
For now, the only ticketed programme is multi-sensory installation Baby Space by Stockholm-based artist Dalija Acin Thelander, which incorporates music, dance, poetry and visual art. Designed for babies aged 16 months and below, Baby Space is ticketed at $18 for a baby and carer.
The Ground Co Limited is helmed by director Luanne Poh, 38, a former producer with the Esplanade for almost 10 years, who was involved in its children's programming such as Feed Your Imagination, meant for audiences aged seven to 17, and PLAYtime! for audiences aged two to four.
She is supported by consultant (programmes and partnership) Jane Choy, 35, centre manager Anisa Hamsani, 31, and programmes manager Michelle Tan, 36.
The 500 sq m centre houses four main spaces: WhiteBox, a theatre and performance space; Baby Stage, a space meant for babies and their carers; Ground Floor, which will house art installations; and outdoor gardening space Good Garden.
