Dear friends and supporters,
We’ve always believed that Drawing Etc. is more than just a shop. It’s a space built by and for artists, shaped by community, and fuelled by curiosity and care. As we reflect on the evolving challenges around us, it’s time to share some honest thoughts and upcoming changes.
Global shifts, such as the new US-China tariffs, haven’t hit Singapore directly yet. But we know it’s only a matter of time before increased manufacturing and shipping costs reach us.
Locally, we continue to face rising operational expenses, and many of us are still adapting to the impacts of recent changes like the GST increment.
As a small, independent space, our strength has always been in our nimbleness and ability to adapt. But we also face limitations. Without the bargaining power of big retailers, we feel the strain of even small shifts in cost. Every decision here has to be intentional, sustainable, and rooted in what truly matters.
That’s why we’ll be making a deliberate pivot. We are scaling back our retail to focus more on Drawing Etc. as a community-centric art space.
What this means moving forward:
– A more refined and focused retail selection made up only of materials we genuinely believe in: unique, high-quality, and meaningful.
– More in-house and handmade items that align with the spirit and mission of our space.
– A deeper investment into our role as a space for art experiences, learning, and connection.
Over the past two years, we’ve hosted a wide range of meaningful programmes, from workshops and masterclasses to exhibitions and community showcases. All of this has been made possible by the energy and generosity of those who’ve joined us. These moments continue to remind us what this space is really for.
Behind the scenes, this shift is also a personal one. The people running Drawing Etc. are artists too, trying to navigate the delicate balance between making art, supporting others, and sustaining a business. The current landscape makes it harder to hold all three with equal weight. So we’re choosing to prioritise what we feel will bring the most long-term value.
We’re thankful to all of you who’ve supported us, whether by purchasing materials, joining a workshop, sharing a kind word, or simply showing up. We’re excited (and yes, a little nervous) for what’s next. But we believe in the heart of this space, and in the people it brings together.
In due course, we’ll share more concrete updates on our direction and upcoming programmes. Thank you for walking this journey with us.
Warmly,
Zhang Fuming