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.

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. 

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.

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.

"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."

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.

"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.

Source: The Arts House News Release 18 Feb 2004

Old Parliament House to become Arts Centre