The Independent Archive and resource centre is a professional archive of visual art practices and other cultural manifestations, specialising in documenting ephemeral modes of production. The focus of the archive, especially at its initial stage, is art practices that benefit from archival support — such as visual art practices that are ephemeral, time-based, event specific or that may not be conserved in conventional institutional environments or practices. The key object that is conserved is the artwork and art practice. Geographically, the focus of the archive is Singapore, however collaborations and presentations that are realized with other artists and artistic communities and institutions in the region and internationally, will also be conserved, thus providing a mapping of the network of th e artistic practice and event in relation to the geographies around it. The goal of the archive and resource centre is access to these materials. The development of the infrastructure and content of the archive and resource centre thus is essentially research-driven, its purpose to facilitate access to significant art materials (documentation, objects, images, correspondence, etc) and the production of critical discourse that interprets and creates forms of mediation of the archived materials.
“The Independent Archive and Resource Centre’s primary aim is to develop an archive of art and cultural practices for the purpose of maintaining an open resource center to encourage research, dialogue and discourse relating to art and cultural manifestations of the historical past and its current evolution in Singapore.” – IARC
Over the past months since the beginning of its operations in early 2012, the Independent Archive & Resource Centre has formed a platform for artists to share their works through a series of events held at the centre. These series of programs consisted of artists’ talks and presentations, performance arts events, music & sound art events, film screenings, and other community related events. In regards to artists’ talks, performance arts events, and music & sound art events, IARC will be featuring some of the finest local and international artists in our upcoming and ongoing programs. The Independent Archive & Resource Centre are also looking into programs that encourage the following:
Artists in residence
We invite artists to work here within our workspace to produce works & present their works that they’ve done here at IARC. Artist are encouraged to work based on the books that are available here. In regards to Sound Art & Music research and studies, Artists can use the audio recording facilities that IARC would provide, upon which they would present these works. Workshops
Providing workshops related to skills developments and outreach to the public and managements who would benefit from our workshops. IARC aims to tie up with artists who are looking for avenues to conducting art related workshops for the public. Film Screenings
The IARC hopes to hold film screening events open to the public, where we would screen relevant & art related videos, as well as to offer budding filmmakers to screen their films and perhaps talk about them. Publications
The IARC also looks into the production of publications of and for Artists in local and international contexts. These could also include matters surrounding the productions of local music fan zines. We hope to be a channel for underground music & movement zines in helping them spread the words of their existence. Email: [email protected]
