NLB chief executive officer Ng Cher Pong said: “While we are sad to leave the Esplanade, we are excited by the opportunities of creating a new, consolidated arts resource right in the heart of the Civic District
“In addition to the strong performing arts collection carried over from the library@esplanade, patrons can enjoy the convenience of accessing NLB’s rich arts collections under one roof at the National Library Building.”
Esplanade CEO Yvonne Tham said this is not the end of its strong partnership with NLB as it will continue to work in synergy with NLB to further arts and cultural education and learning despite the move.
“Esplanade will further our national role in developing the cultural sector by creating much-needed studio spaces for small-scale performances, public workshops and talks, masterclasses and rehearsals,” she said.
Part of the space will be converted into an office space for the Singapore Symphony Group, which manages the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and its affiliated performing groups.
She added: “Visitors can also look forward to new food and beverage offerings as part of Esplanade Mall’s unique positioning as an arts-meets-lifestyle destination in the Civic District and Marina Bay precincts.”
Ahead of its relocation, NLB will host a series of events at the library@esplanade in June, including performances and movie screenings.
An “Intermission Party”, open to the public, will also be held on Jun 30. Details will be available on the LearnXArts Facebook page in the coming weeks.
FACILITIES, MATERIALS FOR PUBLIC USE
By the second half of 2024, students, researchers, arts practitioners and academic institutions in the Bras Basah-Bugis precinct can look forward to art programmes and collections of materials, both for borrowing and reference.
This includes collections of books, music scores, play scripts and CDs, as well as recordings of films, operas, dance performances and theatre productions.
A piano practice room and a silent studio where musicians can hold jamming sessions and a new programming zone that is fitted with a baby grand piano will continue to host a variety of performing arts programmes.