Family Theatre Music Dance Visual Arts
What is an arts programmer and what do they do?
Published: 9 Sep 2024
Time taken : ~10mins
Curious about what an arts programmer actually does? Read and watch on to find out more!
When you think of programmers, you might picture tech whizzes, but at Esplanade, programmers are all about the arts. Have you ever attended an arts festival or watched a concert at Esplanade and wondered what goes on behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly? As Singapore’s national performing arts centre, there is a wide range of performances for everyone here in the Esplanade. In fact, did you know that there are more than 3,000 performances that take place here every year?
Keeping up this level of programming requires effort and a dedicated team—that’s where programmers come in!
Programmers like Shiraz plan and organise shows, from conception to execution. They brainstorm themes and concepts, identify the artists that best fit these ideas, and arrange for them work to perform at venues in Esplanade.
What many may not see is the administrative work involved. This includes handling contracts, budgets and clearing set lists, which are the planned sequence of performances or pieces in a show. Programmers also work closely with artists around the world, so another key part of their role is looking for interesting and exciting works to bring to audiences at Esplanade.
Just like other event organisers, programmers at Esplanade plan and run events. However, what makes them special is that arts programmers also design shows that match Esplanade’s goal of being an arts centre for everyone. They’re all about entertaining, educating, engaging, and inspiring audiences.
Of course, a programmer in Esplanade needs to enjoy the arts. Look at how Shiraz works hard and plays hard at the same time during Pesta Raya 2024, an annual festival of Malay arts and culture at Esplanade!
Shiraz also has a personal list of essential items as a programmer. From his mobile phone to a pair of comfortable shoes, each item plays a role in his daily routine. Watch on to find out why these items are important to Shiraz.
Programmers also need certain essential skills, such as having the knack for spotting what’s missing in the arts scene and coming up with new ideas to fill those gaps. Time management is also crucial for a programmer. Just think about how tricky it is to schedule meetings with international artists in different time zones!
Grab a cup of coffee and join us as Shiraz shares his journey of becoming a programmer at Esplanade and what fuels his passion in this profession!
Q: How long have you been a programmer at Esplanade?
Shiraz: Six years.
Q: Why did you want to become a programmer?
Shiraz: Well honestly, I didn't know what a Programmer was before I started working in the Esplanade. As a Project Assistant in 2018, I got exposed to what a programmer does and looked for opportunities where I could try engaging the audience with programmes that I thought were cool and resonated with them.
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Q: What kind of skills do programmers need to have?
Shiraz: Time management, communication and patience.
Q: What training did you have to go through before you became a programmer?
Shiraz: I didn't have any formal training. I graduated with a Diploma in Arts Management from Republic Polytechnic, started out at the Asian Civilisations Museum, then worked my way up from a Project Assistant to a Programmer here in Esplanade. So, maybe on-the-job training.
Next time you enjoy a show at the Esplanade, take a moment to appreciate the hard work and dedication of programmers like Shiraz!
Do you know what it takes to be a programmer? Take this quiz to find out!
