i was surprise to recieved a reply from the Director, Visual Arts / Director, Resource Development, National Arts Council on the 8 Oct 08:
Dear Kwank Liang
I refer to your email to CEO NAC as well as your emails/appeals to ministers. I regret to inform you we are unable to accede to your appeal. We have initiated action towards taking back your unit at TKS so that it can be allocated to other artists who have been waiting for arts housing. We will be glad to explore alternative solutions to address the situation you are in. Please contact me so that we can jointly try to find a feasible solution. If possible, I would like to speak to you in person on this matter.
Best regards
Chwee Seng
Lim Chwee Seng
Director, Visual Arts / Director, Resource Development
National Arts Council
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
3a.Singapore has Good reasons in promoting and supporting the Arts
Dear Mr Tan,
Please refer to your email appeal to SM Goh below. We have reviewed your case carefully with NAC again, but given the facts of the case, we were unable to change their mind.
May I suggest that you look forward and move on from this episode. Augustin Lee, Principal
Private Secretary to Senior Minister,
Prime Minister Office, Tel: +65 68356605
Please refer to your email appeal to SM Goh below. We have reviewed your case carefully with NAC again, but given the facts of the case, we were unable to change their mind.
May I suggest that you look forward and move on from this episode. Augustin Lee, Principal
Private Secretary to Senior Minister,
Prime Minister Office, Tel: +65 68356605
3.Singapore has Good reasons in promoting and supporting the Arts
My third letter to my MP
07 Oct 07
Re: SOS from a constituent of Marine Parade (Re: Telok Kurau Studio)
Dear SM Goh
This is my third letter to you.
Please refer to my two earlier emails.
The NAC has turned down my appeal and is taking reposession of my Studio in Telok Kurau. I do not blame them as they are mere civil servants performing a job. It is the politicians that set the policy.
My life is being threatened! Or put it mildly in your language: My livelihood is being threatened! It was and is no exaggeration. For the last few months if not longer especially the last month, I am not my usual self. The world seems to be coming to an end. I am not sure if this is called depression.
My studio is my HDB. I have nowhere else to go. It is my base in Singapore . Taking back my studio is like taking away my HDB. Worst , this is taking place while I am away ¨ I am not on holiday but on my working trip. It is like while I am posted out for an operation outside my country during NS, for whatever reason, my HDB is been taken back! Althought, I have finished my cycle of NS. Although I have finished my cycle of NS, my son and my cousins are going into NSF soon. How can I tell them to give their best to the nation when there is no real or genuine insurance/guarantee back home.
I sincerely do not want to move my works in Singapore out. I like to call it the "Goh Chok Tong Collection". This is because majority of the works kept in my studio are done in the years of between 1986 - 2003, about the same time as your premiership. If I may remind/bring your attention to the "Liu Zuo Cho Collection" donated to the Hong Kong Museum in 1995/6 - and of the birth of the Asian Civilisation Museum . Of course my "Goh Chok Tong collection" is nothing compared with the "Liu Zuo Cho Collection". But I believe it marks a little stody in the development of Singapore Art, however small it maybe and I have no wish to bring it out.
Dear SMGoh.
You may have sent your principle private secertary to sit in the Council of NAC. But how he is to read this letter and pass it on, and whether it will take you 10 seconds, 30 seconds or 60 seconds of your time will depend on your sentivity as a politician as you have smell the development ( in the Arts) in the Middle East(http://edition.cnn.com/2007/BUSINESS/10/04/culture.mme/index.html ).
You are my last refuge in this instance. I urge you to consider my plea ( in a desperate situation) and intervene on my behalf to continue have a fruitfully lease of the studio premises.
Thank you.
Tan Kwank Liang
An acknowledgement of the reciept of this letter will be much appreciated.
07 Oct 07
Re: SOS from a constituent of Marine Parade (Re: Telok Kurau Studio)
Dear SM Goh
This is my third letter to you.
Please refer to my two earlier emails.
The NAC has turned down my appeal and is taking reposession of my Studio in Telok Kurau. I do not blame them as they are mere civil servants performing a job. It is the politicians that set the policy.
My life is being threatened! Or put it mildly in your language: My livelihood is being threatened! It was and is no exaggeration. For the last few months if not longer especially the last month, I am not my usual self. The world seems to be coming to an end. I am not sure if this is called depression.
My studio is my HDB. I have nowhere else to go. It is my base in Singapore . Taking back my studio is like taking away my HDB. Worst , this is taking place while I am away ¨ I am not on holiday but on my working trip. It is like while I am posted out for an operation outside my country during NS, for whatever reason, my HDB is been taken back! Althought, I have finished my cycle of NS. Although I have finished my cycle of NS, my son and my cousins are going into NSF soon. How can I tell them to give their best to the nation when there is no real or genuine insurance/guarantee back home.
I sincerely do not want to move my works in Singapore out. I like to call it the "Goh Chok Tong Collection". This is because majority of the works kept in my studio are done in the years of between 1986 - 2003, about the same time as your premiership. If I may remind/bring your attention to the "Liu Zuo Cho Collection" donated to the Hong Kong Museum in 1995/6 - and of the birth of the Asian Civilisation Museum . Of course my "Goh Chok Tong collection" is nothing compared with the "Liu Zuo Cho Collection". But I believe it marks a little stody in the development of Singapore Art, however small it maybe and I have no wish to bring it out.
Dear SMGoh.
You may have sent your principle private secertary to sit in the Council of NAC. But how he is to read this letter and pass it on, and whether it will take you 10 seconds, 30 seconds or 60 seconds of your time will depend on your sentivity as a politician as you have smell the development ( in the Arts) in the Middle East(http://edition.cnn.com/2007/BUSINESS/10/04/culture.mme/index.html ).
You are my last refuge in this instance. I urge you to consider my plea ( in a desperate situation) and intervene on my behalf to continue have a fruitfully lease of the studio premises.
Thank you.
Tan Kwank Liang
An acknowledgement of the reciept of this letter will be much appreciated.
2a.Singapore has Good reasons in promoting and supporting the Arts
The reply from SM office:
07 Jun 07
Dear Mr Tan
Thank you for your email to Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong of 6th June 2007.
The Senior Minister has seen your email and appeal.
The National Arts Council has already replied to regarding your appeal andI hope that you will understand the basis of NAC's decision.
We wish you all the best in your future endeavours
Albert Chua
Principal Private Secretary to the Senior Minister
07 Jun 07
Dear Mr Tan
Thank you for your email to Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong of 6th June 2007.
The Senior Minister has seen your email and appeal.
The National Arts Council has already replied to regarding your appeal andI hope that you will understand the basis of NAC's decision.
We wish you all the best in your future endeavours
Albert Chua
Principal Private Secretary to the Senior Minister
2.Singapore has Good reasons in promoting and supporting the Arts
My second letter to my MP:
05 Jun 07
RE: HARDWARES and SOFTWARES needed for a Center for the Arts. - An Appeal Letter...
Cuenca, Ecuador
Dear SM Goh,
I thank you and Minister Lee for your kind assistance. I believe you have received the cc copy of the reply to me from NAC with a negative answer (enclosed).
The bureaucracy is indeed the bureaucracy, as I fully understand, with a micro vision, they are just doing a routine job. I anticipated this, and that is why I wrote to you, as the apex of the decision-making body of the country, the government with a macro vision on the subject: HARDWARES and SOFTWARES needed for a Center for the Arts. - An Appeal Letter... (It is also my privilege, and an excuse to write to you, as a constituent of Marine Parade GRC.)
In that email, I briefly touched on my observations, as a citizen and an artist, on the three main projects the government has implemented in the last ten years or so (and is about to implement a third project - the National Art Gallery. I hope it will materialise this time, as it was aborted some years back in favor of setting up the Law Academy.)
In the early 60's, when Singapore just got its independence, there was an urgent need for housing, hence the HDB was born. Through the years, HBD was so successful, that now - with excess flats waiting to be taken up - it has almost made itself irrelevant, and hence all the revamping - with private flats, private architects designing flats, private enterprise building flats......
In 1996, Telok Kurau Studio (TKS) was born in view of the need for artists. With only 30 rooms for 30 artists, there is now a queue for the space (it was not filled quickly in the first year or two because artists were initially apprehensive of the scheme.) Containers were added to the space later! Does Singapore needs 30 odd artists and, if so, can it support them? Can afew more be supported? With TKS, Singapore has acquired a 'good' name as supporter of the arts and local artists, just like the Esplanade. However, as you have discovered from your many trips to the Middle East, the Esplanade is not enough. So the next question is, with TKS housing 30 odd artists, is that enough? and what other policy can there be to help in the development of the artists - i.e. the software?
This is what I can suggest ...........
1) The bureaucracy can be revamped to be in tune with the 'new' vision (personally/privately, I knew it was 'new' - after the Middle East phenomenon - but the bureaucracy is perhaps still towing the line of 'the Renaissance City' - 10-15years ago!) and the need for more initiatives to support and assist, and grow the artists. The world is very different from 10 years ago, so is the arts.
2) In Kentucky Lowertown, home of the Artist Relocation Program, the oldest neighborhood in the Paducah, is the catalyst for a great deal of excitement, economic growth, and community pride. Lowertown, located just four blocks from the Ohio River and Downtown, is home to the Artist-Relocation-Program which gives out interest free loan to artists. This international culture in Paducah, a unique incentive program that brought the artists, more than 70 in all.
http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/WNT/Story?id=2748161&page=1
And, on a personal level,
1) I would like to maintain a base in Singapore! I was born in Johore, Malaysia. My family moved to Singapore in the mid 60s. I have served my 2 years National Service - NSF and the cycle of 13 years NS with sweat and blood - however little it may be, due to some minor injuries.
2) I have grown up, since my early childhood - 6 years old - in Singapore. My roots are in this country and my connections to Singapore are very strong. Despite all the opportunities I have had to work overseas, I consider it my home and my homeland. Apart from my studies in the UK and my numerous travels, I have been for the most part in Singapore all these years/all my life. This period, from 2004 to the present, is my longest 'posting' outside the country ever, other than a few short trips back home to deal with family matters. It is not easy. It is not easy to support myself as an artist either, but i am willing to labour on - single handedly. I appeal to you to help me to lighten this load, if not to avoid unnecessary problems.
3) Though I am presently spending most of my time outside the country, i do plan - when things are stablised and firmed - to spend at least half of my time back home - like most senior executives do, half a month/ one month in Singapore, half a month/ one month out stationed. After all, my family, kinship and friends are in Singapore!
4) I have just signed a contract in Shanghai for a studio space in a 'Creative Park'. Perhaps it is timely that the NAC has terminated my tenancy and for me to ship out from Singapore to Shanghai? However, if I do this, I would have nothing to come back to. I sincerely would not like to do this, as I consider myself Singaporean first and foremost! However, circumstances being as they are, I may have no choice.
Thank you.
Tan Kwank Liang
( An acknowledgment of receipt of this email would be much appreciated.)
05 Jun 07
RE: HARDWARES and SOFTWARES needed for a Center for the Arts. - An Appeal Letter...
Cuenca, Ecuador
Dear SM Goh,
I thank you and Minister Lee for your kind assistance. I believe you have received the cc copy of the reply to me from NAC with a negative answer (enclosed).
The bureaucracy is indeed the bureaucracy, as I fully understand, with a micro vision, they are just doing a routine job. I anticipated this, and that is why I wrote to you, as the apex of the decision-making body of the country, the government with a macro vision on the subject: HARDWARES and SOFTWARES needed for a Center for the Arts. - An Appeal Letter... (It is also my privilege, and an excuse to write to you, as a constituent of Marine Parade GRC.)
In that email, I briefly touched on my observations, as a citizen and an artist, on the three main projects the government has implemented in the last ten years or so (and is about to implement a third project - the National Art Gallery. I hope it will materialise this time, as it was aborted some years back in favor of setting up the Law Academy.)
In the early 60's, when Singapore just got its independence, there was an urgent need for housing, hence the HDB was born. Through the years, HBD was so successful, that now - with excess flats waiting to be taken up - it has almost made itself irrelevant, and hence all the revamping - with private flats, private architects designing flats, private enterprise building flats......
In 1996, Telok Kurau Studio (TKS) was born in view of the need for artists. With only 30 rooms for 30 artists, there is now a queue for the space (it was not filled quickly in the first year or two because artists were initially apprehensive of the scheme.) Containers were added to the space later! Does Singapore needs 30 odd artists and, if so, can it support them? Can afew more be supported? With TKS, Singapore has acquired a 'good' name as supporter of the arts and local artists, just like the Esplanade. However, as you have discovered from your many trips to the Middle East, the Esplanade is not enough. So the next question is, with TKS housing 30 odd artists, is that enough? and what other policy can there be to help in the development of the artists - i.e. the software?
This is what I can suggest ...........
1) The bureaucracy can be revamped to be in tune with the 'new' vision (personally/privately, I knew it was 'new' - after the Middle East phenomenon - but the bureaucracy is perhaps still towing the line of 'the Renaissance City' - 10-15years ago!) and the need for more initiatives to support and assist, and grow the artists. The world is very different from 10 years ago, so is the arts.
2) In Kentucky Lowertown, home of the Artist Relocation Program, the oldest neighborhood in the Paducah, is the catalyst for a great deal of excitement, economic growth, and community pride. Lowertown, located just four blocks from the Ohio River and Downtown, is home to the Artist-Relocation-Program which gives out interest free loan to artists. This international culture in Paducah, a unique incentive program that brought the artists, more than 70 in all.
http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/WNT/Story?id=2748161&page=1
And, on a personal level,
1) I would like to maintain a base in Singapore! I was born in Johore, Malaysia. My family moved to Singapore in the mid 60s. I have served my 2 years National Service - NSF and the cycle of 13 years NS with sweat and blood - however little it may be, due to some minor injuries.
2) I have grown up, since my early childhood - 6 years old - in Singapore. My roots are in this country and my connections to Singapore are very strong. Despite all the opportunities I have had to work overseas, I consider it my home and my homeland. Apart from my studies in the UK and my numerous travels, I have been for the most part in Singapore all these years/all my life. This period, from 2004 to the present, is my longest 'posting' outside the country ever, other than a few short trips back home to deal with family matters. It is not easy. It is not easy to support myself as an artist either, but i am willing to labour on - single handedly. I appeal to you to help me to lighten this load, if not to avoid unnecessary problems.
3) Though I am presently spending most of my time outside the country, i do plan - when things are stablised and firmed - to spend at least half of my time back home - like most senior executives do, half a month/ one month in Singapore, half a month/ one month out stationed. After all, my family, kinship and friends are in Singapore!
4) I have just signed a contract in Shanghai for a studio space in a 'Creative Park'. Perhaps it is timely that the NAC has terminated my tenancy and for me to ship out from Singapore to Shanghai? However, if I do this, I would have nothing to come back to. I sincerely would not like to do this, as I consider myself Singaporean first and foremost! However, circumstances being as they are, I may have no choice.
Thank you.
Tan Kwank Liang
( An acknowledgment of receipt of this email would be much appreciated.)
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
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
1.Singapore has Good reasons in promoting and supporting the Arts
i wrote to my MP in marine Parade:
20 April 07
Re:HARDWARES and SOFTWARES needed for a Center for the Arts. - An Appeal Letter for my studio in TKS
Cuenca, Ecuador.
Dear SM Goh,
I am writing to you as a constituent of Marine Parade GRC, currently on an work visit in Shanghai. I am presently been invited to participate in the IX INTERNATIONAL BIENNIAL OF CUENCA, ECUADOR.
I received a letter from the NAC in Feb(enclosed) informing me that I will have to give up my studio in Telok Kurau due to my absence from the country for an extended period of time. My personal appeal to them failed(enclosed).
I wish to appeal this decision by NAC for the following reasons:
1. My base is in Singapore, and I consider myself a Singaporean artist. If I am forced to give up my studio, I will have nothing to comeback to.
2. I make a living from my work as an artist. Please refer to the NAC Library for details of my participation in various open exhibitionssince 1977 (Art 77, National Museum Art Gallery) as well 12 solo exhibitions from the first in 1986 to the last one in 2004 - an average of more than one in 2 years.
3. The time from conception to execution of an art work takes an appreciably longer time for an artist than for any other professional. I consider it part of my work ethic as an artist to conduct proper andserious research and planning for a project or exhibition. Though it may be possible to produce works in a shorter time frame, I prefer not to compromise the quality of my output for the expediency of time.
4. Presently, as in the past, I am engaged in exploring and researching outside Singapore, but this does not mean I am inactive or unwilling to exhibit my work. In fact, my present invition to the IX International Biennial of Cuenca in Ecuador as an independent artist, i.e. not sponsored or nominated by the NAC or other organisation. I have also been invited for an exhibition in Shanghai later this year andanother next year in Beijing.
Dear SM Goh,
I believe it was you, during your term as PM, upon reviewing multiple MNC's survey reports that position Singapore most favourably in most areas except the Arts, that you decided to lobby for the Esplanade.
Last year, I was so pleased to see the first Singapore Biennale too, though it just happened to coincide with the major World Bank/IMF conference.
I was most surprised to read about the establishment of the National Art Museum in the former City Hall/Law Academy, when we already have the Singapore Art Museum in the former St Joseph Institution. This again must be your masterful political manoeuvre, I believe, after repeated visits and gaining inspirations from the many Middle Eastern Countries.
I am proud to be a Singaporean, representing my country overseas, and believe that it is of mutual benefit for Singapore to be seen to be producing artists of international stature. I believe you will understand the importance of having/supporting artists/artistes to compliment the hardware.
I am hopeful that you will be able to intercede with NAC on my behalf so that I can retain the studio at Telok Kurau for when I return home.
Yours sincerely
Tan Kwank Liang
Singapore
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