Renaissance City Singapore: a study of arts spaces

Abstract

The study of ‘arts spaces’ has generally focused on physical spaces for the arts in the form of arts districts, cultural infrastructure and museum spaces. Apart from the provision of such physical spaces, we argue that the study of the arts should also focus on such aspects as the social environments and the creative spaces in which artists operate. Such a holistic approach not only facilitates an understanding of the myriad challenges artists face in society, but also opens greater research opportunities to geographers interested in the arts. Our case study of Singapore as a ‘Global City for the Arts’ provides insights into physical spaces of the arts as well as the social and creative environments in which the arts operate.