Rent at the Goodman Arts Centre used to be quite reasonable, including service and security charges for using the facility. Artists rented out units of varying sizes for anywhere from S$500 to S$695. Subsidies from a government art organization helped cover some of the service charges. However, with those subsidies recently expiring, rent at the center has skyrocketed for some of the tenants. Many of them can no longer afford to keep their studios there. Some artists are protesting the price hikes at the center, saying they can find better accommodations for their studios on the open market.
Without the subsidies supplied by the government agency, many artists are faced with price increases of as much as 70 percent. It has caused at least one artist who was applying for space within the center to take back the application. He complained that the service charge was exorbitant and that it should be that high, especially given the lack of perks in the space he was applying for. In that particular unit, there was no wifi, air conditioning, fan, or elevator access.
The price increase didn’t necessarily happen overnight. The arts center was founded on the principle of artists existing and working in the same space, fostering a sort of creative incubator environment. However, they were required to pay monthly fees to be a part of that space. The government agency that initially funded the subsidies to help with the fees gradually decreased their contributions over the years. For another artist who was renting studio space in the arts center, increasing prices he has paid over the years means he will likely be unable to afford to stay there.
Even though the intention of the arts center was good, other artists who chose to rent studio space in different venues cite a number of reasons for their decision. For one, the arts center in question is located in an out of the way spot, away from places the artists would need to be. Also, the arts center offers services that many don’t need, including booking agents and security. Coupling these issues with the high prices of the arts center drove many away. One artist, though, has a possible solution for this issue. Perhaps more dialogue about affordable art spaces should take place.
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To learn more about the situation at the arts center and the artists renting spaces there, go to http://www.todayonline.com/entertainment/artists-slam-rent-service-charge-hikes-goodman.