1a.Singapore has Good reasons in promoting and supporting the Arts

Reply from NAC and the Minister office:

NAC 011.015.014V13
27 April 2007

Mr Tan Kwank Liang BY EMAIL & POST


Dear Mr Tan,
APPEAL FOR RENEWAL OF TENANCY AT TELOK KURAU STUDIO
We refer to your letter of appeal dated 21 April 2007 to Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong which was referred to NAC for consideration.

2. Under the Arts Housing Scheme, NAC leases studios/spaces to selected artists and arts groups at highly subsidised rates for use as their office, studios, administrative, rehearsal and performance space. We strive to ensure that these limited facilities are effectively utilised as there is a very strong demand.

3. We noted that you had been stationed overseas most of the time since year 2004. As such, your usage of the unit at the Telok Kurau Studio was very limited. In spite of that and based on your explanation that you would be returning to Singapore and would be using the studio space extensively, your tenancy was renewed for the years 2005 and 2006.

4. In your recent appeal, you explained that you will once again be exploring and researching outside Singapore for your preparation of the overseas exhibitions. We understand the need for artists to carry out such activities overseas. However, the intention of the arts housing is for artists in Singapore to extensively utilise the space for their production and administration besides other arts activities. As you are aware, a number of equally eligible and deserving artists have been waiting for arts housing allocation for years. It is prudent that we ensure our limited arts housing units are put to good and effective use.

5. We have reconsidered your appeal and regret to inform you that we are unable to accede to your request to renew your tenancy at the Telok Kurau Studio. You may wish to explore with other space providers or co-share space with other fellow artists as and when you are back in Singapore. We understand you may need time to vacate the premises. We will therefore allow you a grace period of 2 weeks for you to vacate and return the keys to NAC by 10 May 2007. Please also contact the TKS Management Committee to settle your outstanding payment of $1,562.24 before 10 May 2007. If you require further assistance, please contact my colleague, Ms Joan Toh (telephone 68379514).

Yours sincerely

LIM CHWEE SENG
DIRECTOR, RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT & VISUAL ARTS

cc Mr Goh Chok Tong, Senior Minister
Dr Lee Boon Yang, Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts
Mr Lee Suan Hiang, Chief Executive Officer, National Arts Council


230407 MICA reply

Dear Mr Tan

Please refer to your email of 21 Apr 2007 copied to Minister Dr Lee BoonYang. Minister has asked NAC to review your tenure at Telok Kurau.

Soh Guek Keow (Ms)
covering for PA to Dr Lee Boon Yang Minister
MICA
23 April 2007