The small city of Singkawang has been culturally diverse for many generations, with three major ethnic groups, but was suffering economic decline. This centre was established to trigger social-cultural-economic development and promote cultural tourism. It is an adaptive reuse of a disused cinema, preserving its form and some of its (repainted) metal cladding. Additions are in steel and handmade Singkawang bricks - distinctive for their rust-and-white colouring - which inject character, act as a buffer against direct sunlight, and have revived interest in this local industry. The community were consulted in the design process, resulting in a programme containing a temporary exhibition area, conference hall, food-market-cum-performance-area, pottery workshop and gallery, art shop, library, gallery for photos of local cultural events, and yard.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture