SINGAPORE – Artists renting project studios at Goodman Arts Centre have been informed of a 60 per cent rent hike by venue manager Arts House Group (AHG), a move that self-employed arts practitioners at the subsidised arts housing enclave say puts them in a tighter financial spot amid rising costs.
In a reply to The Straits Times’ queries on March 10, AHG said 24 hirers are affected and the hike will be implemented in three phases from December 2026 till December 2027. It justified the hike as rents “have remained unchanged and at a very low rate for 14 years”, adding that the venue operator had absorbed rising operating and maintenance costs through the Covid-19 period.
“An adjustment is needed to reflect current operating realities and ensure these spaces can be properly maintained,” the statement said.
While AHG said the hike rates vary depending on the space, tenants who spoke to ST said they have been informed of a 60 per cent hike in the past week.
Artist Ye Ruoshi, who currently rents for $1,016 monthly, was told in March that her studio would cost about $1,800 monthly by July 2027, although she was told that the first hike was planned for July 2026.
According to the AHG website, Goodman houses 24 project studio units for short-term use, with leases ranging between one and 12 months. It lists rental costs ranging from $390 a month for a 37 sq m unit to $780 a month for a 78 sq m unit, although artists report a higher monthly bill with utilities and other costs not included.
