How do you think the local arts scene has changed in the past ten years?
It has definitely become more vibrant and exciting. The cultural calendar is now crowded with performances and exhibitions. Artists are also more ready to take risks, both artistically and thematically. Plus, locals are being exposed to the arts at a younger age now. It’s an exciting time for the arts in Singapore.

What do you think the scene will be like ten years from now?
The social and cultural fabric of Singapore is always changing. Artists will respond to these changes and create works that reflect, critique or interrogate these changes.

How did the “disappearing” theme for this year’s anniversary bash come about?
We didn't want to do the usual celebrations with pomp and flair—instead, we wanted something contemplative, but not too serious. Chong Tze Chien, the Artistic Director for our anchor show The Next Stage, came up with the idea of "absence"—specifically, a tongue-in-cheek tribute of an alternate universe in which The Arts House does not exist. The concept plays on our memories, and hopefully makes people think about the role of The Arts House.

What books, local or otherwise, do you recommend?
The Chinese novel Art Studio by Cultural Medallion winner Yeng Pway Ngon is a monumental achievement. Confrontation by Mohamed Latiff Mohamed and The Inlet by Claire Tham are quite amazing too.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
Meeting the different artists and working with them. Their passion and unwavering faith in the importance of art is always inspiring.

What is the greatest challenge that you’ve faced so far?
Pulling off our 10th anniversary celebrations!

The Arts House kicks off its 10th anniversary celebrations with its anchor show, The Next Page.

Where did you first hear of flotation?
It’s been around for decades and decades, but I first got exposed to it through MMA—a lot of people have discovered flotation as a technique to help them visualize their “perfect” performance.

What kind of physical benefits does flotation offer?
The anti-gravity nature of the environment allows blood to flow through body much more quickly. This reduces cortisol in the body, releases endorphins and allows the body to heal faster. It also cuts down the body’s “gravity-fighting” workload, which has benefits as well.

What about mental or psychological benefits?
It’s a conducive environment for meditation. Once you’re in a meditative state, your brainwaves and stress levels go down, while creativity and healing performance go up. Tibetan monks are said to spend 20 years to develop the ability to go into this state at will—and getting into the tank is like a taking bullet train to this state.

Because you’re detached from stimuli and are forced to focus inwards and spend so much time with yourself, the treatment can also change your worldview. Lots of people come out of the tank in a euphoric, light and hyper-aware (of sound and light) state that lasts for a day or two.