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The nation's latest arts venue, The Arts House at the Old Parliament,
opened officially on 26 March 2004 with its Opening Festival, NO MORE WALLS.
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Throughout this 10-day event, Singapore artists and their artistic achievements will be in the forefront of the action at a place where Singapore's political leaders once took centrestage in debating hot issues of the day.
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Billed as "The Ultimate Housewarming Party", NO MORE WALLS celebrates Singapore's arts and artists in a feast of music, dance, theatre, comedy, film and visual arts as Singapore's oldest surviving government building and its most important historical and political landmark is handed over for the arts.
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Says Mr Colin Goh, General Manager, The Old Parliament House Limited which manages The Arts House: "NO MORE WALLS is literal and symbolic. There are no more walls surrounding the building and all are now free to enter a space closed off from public access for more than 60 years. The walls coming down also signals a more open society with a willingness to engage beyond the accepted and a desire to move out to explore different forms of expression.
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"It is important that we celebrate all this with a festival that primarily focuses on Singapore artists and arts, men and women who are among the top in their art and young people who are making a name for themselves. As a place that laws for Singapore were once made, this opening festival is a celebration of the Singaporean artists who continue to strive and push boundaries. Hence, we have attempted at a selection that we hope would represent this aim."
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The Arts House will complement the existing attractions in the Civic District, including the Asian Civilisations Museum, Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, making the district a vibrant arts precinct. The Singapore Tourism Board looks forward to working closely with The Arts House and the travel industry to introduce visitors to Singapore's newest lifestyle and heritage venue.
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"The Arts House will offer visitors and locals alike a unique blend of history and the arts in a contemporary setting. The 10-day opening festival is the best introduction to The Arts House's exciting new role. As a new historically-rich venue, transformed from a political to an arts landmark, it is a truly distinctive, must-see destination for tourists and Singaporeans alike, as for the first time in more than 60 years, it will be open to all, " said Mr Lim Neo Chian, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive of the Singapore Tourism Board.
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Source: The Arts House News
Release 18 Feb 2004
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Old
Parliament House to become Arts Centre
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