What can we learn from all the conversations we’ve had on Backlogues so far?

In the pilot series of Backlogues, we have interviewed arts managers from differing backgrounds and practices. As a wrap-up, hosts Charlene Shepherdson and Serene Chen have a special discussion with veteran theatre practitioner Kok Heng Leun to find out his insights and actionable takeaways from the pilot series and the evolution of arts management in the 1980s and 1990s. They exchange views on the delights and challenges of working as an arts manager in Singapore, as well as reflect on persisting issues facing the arts ecosystem.

How did local publishing houses chart the course for the literary arts during the 1980s? Host Charlene Shepherdson speaks with Goh Eck Kheng, founder of Landmark Books, and Lim Li Kok, founder of AsiaPac Books. By talking about their publishing strategies and the driving forces behind starting their own businesses, the duo proffer a detailed account of how the world of book publishing in Singapore really works, as well as the costs and complexities involved.

In the first of the literary arts episodes of the series, host Charlene Shepherdson speaks with librarians R. Ramachandran and Michelle Heng about the development of Singapore’s reading infrastructure. They shine a spotlight on the foundations laid by pioneering librarian Hedwig Anuar, and how her early work with the National Library and the Singapore Book Council transformed Singapore’s literary arts scene by boosting the public accessibility of local literature and the development of new writing.

How did the notions of multiculturalism and multidisciplinarity emerge in Singapore theatre, and what challenges did they present to the arts manager? Host Serene Chen speaks with arts manager Wong Han Juan, tracing the past and present challenges of nurturing an arts ecosystem that is supportive of diverse and experimental practices, by way of her experiences working as an arts manager with legendary arts pioneer Kuo Pao Kun and The Theatre Practice, and her role in fundraising and liaising with artists during the early years of The Substation.

Since its inception, The Necessary Stage recognised that the artistic and administrative aspects of its organisation were of equal importance. We speak with Goh Su Lin and Clarisse Ng Given about the company’s trademark practice of devised work, and how Su Lin’s legal background helped the young company to manage unprecedented controversies. Serene chimes in with her memories acting for TNS productions in the 1990s!

We chat with arts manager and multiple-hat-wearer Lucilla Teoh about working as an arts manager during the growing years of Theatreworks. She shares memories of working with other arts managers and practitioners to enable the company’s innovative approach to developing a professional local theatre ecosystem, which included the concept of “Total Theatre”: theatre as a holistic, immersive and multi-sensorial experience.

Did you know that the planning for the construction of the Esplanade began as far back as the 1980s?

Host Serene Chen discovers more about its origins in a chat with Tisa Ho-Ng, the former Assistant Director of the Cultural Services Division, Ministry of Culture, and former Secretary of the Steering Committee for the arts centre that would become the Esplanade. They also discuss Tisa’s role in the development of state support initiatives for the arts and artists as a result of the state’s 1985 Cultural Plan.

In the second part of Episode 1, host Serene Chen and Mr Arun Mahizhnan talk about the cultural policy that catalysed the establishment of the National Arts Council. Arun shares fascinating anecdotes of his personal and professional relationship with the late theatre doyen Kuo Pao Kun, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between artist and arts manager.

“So what is actually this endearing term that we have now called ‘arts management’?” In this introductory episode, our hosts Serene Chen and Charlene Shepherdson delve into the mysterious and unsung world of the arts manager in Singapore, and discuss the origins and objectives of our podcast.