Local indie theatre The Projector to cease operations on Aug 19
In an Instagram post, it said that it "will enter voluntary liquidation after a decade of championing alternative films, local creativity, and community-led programming".
Its operations will cease on Aug 19 with immediate effect.
In a press statement, it cited rising operational costs, shifting audience habits and the global decline in cinema attendance as reasons for its closure.
These have made sustaining an independent cinema in Singapore an increasingly difficult endeavour, it said.
Alongside these pressures are the broader realities of operating in the arts and culture sector in Singapore, "where independent ventures navigate limited resources while contributing to the country's evolving cultural landscape", it added.
The Projector first opened its doors in 2014 at Golden Mile Tower, a historical building known for its Thai discos and eateries. It was started by three female co-founders: Ms Karen Tan, Ms Blaise Trigg-Smith and Ms Sharon Tan.
In the past decade, it has played host to many film festivals, and screened countless indie films from across the globe.
More than just a place to watch movies, it has also evolved into a cultural and events space where artists, filmmakers, and audiences gather to engage with diverse communities, it said in its statement.
"It breaks our hearts to make this decision," said Ms Karen Tan.
"We've fought to keep The Projector alive through every challenge - from breathing new life into a disused cinema at Golden Mile Tower, to weathering the pandemic, to expanding to new spaces."
She added that she is immensely grateful to everyone who has been part of The Projector's journey, including its team, collaborators, partners and loyal audiences.
"The Projector may be closing, but we hope its spirit will live on in the conversations, ideas, and communities we've nurtured," she said.
The Straits Times has contacted The Projector for more information.
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The Projector's Golden Mile Tower space has become a hive for creative subcultures and marginalised voices. Its closure leaves a void in Singapore's cultural fabric. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up The instinct to save The Projector is thus understandable. But it is arguably still a business rather than an arts institution, and should have to live or die by market forces. A decade of cultural significance Founded in 2014, The Projector took over part of the disused Golden Theatre in Golden Mile Tower and transformed it into a retro-style independent cinema. From its inception, it stood out by screening arthouse films that mainstream multiplexes avoided. Its premises also doubled as an arts venue, hosting book launches, talks, and activist events. 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