Relax - Hostels double up as party and theatre venues

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SINGAPORE - Hostels here are not only attracting overseas guests.

Locals, too, are visiting the venues for a variety of reasons, including birthday parties, art exhibitions and staycations.

Since the Project Sultan branch of 5footwayinn, off Beach Road, opened in April this year, it has held about five different arts exhibitions within an exhibition space called Atelier.

"The idea is to create an organic space for artists to express their message, and for their art to be seen by the global community that passes through (our) doors," says the owner of the hostel, Mr Goh.

It now houses theatre production Rites & Regulations, which is centred around Chinese-Taoist funerals in Singapore.

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The production ended its run last Sunday.

The Atelier, which can hold a crowd of about 60, has been packed every night since the show began on Sept 6, says producer Mok Cui Yin, 24.

Each ticket costs $22.

"It was mostly locals who came to watch the show, but hostel guests often stopped by to check out what was going on," she says.

She is appreciative of the hostel's efforts.

Says Miss Mok: "The best thing about the venue is how supportive they are.

"It isn't every day that you find a hostel so willing to accommodate a pop-up theatre right smack in their lobby, especially when they have more important things, such as their guests, to care for," she says.

"Proceeds from the sale of the artworks go entirely to the artists or the art communities," says Mr Goh.

There is also demand for common spaces within hostels, such as the lounges, roof gardens and cafes, which make unique venues for birthday parties.

Miss Toh Jia Hui, who chose to hold her 21st birthday party at Bunc Hostel last Saturday, says the hostel's roof deck was perfect for her gathering of 40 friends.

The events and marketing manager says: "I have a lot of friends holding birthdays at chalets, which I find quite cliche.

"The amenities Bunc provided, such as a kitchen, made it possible for me to cook my own food. My friend could even set up a mini bar and bartend for me."

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Hostels double up as party and theatre venues

The New Paper | Tue, Sep 18 2012

People are visiting the venues for a variety of reasons, including birthday parties, art exhibitions and staycations.

Hostels double up as party and theatre venues

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