October 12, 2022
35 for EMCC35 | Erin Tan
In this instalment of our #35forEMCC35 series, we spotlight Erin Tan, who spent all four of her undergraduate years with EMCC Crew, in positions such as front-of-house, artist liaison, and production stage management. Erin is now a full-time arts programmer who still stands by the wisdom she received during her EMCC Crew that “the Arts is a people’s business”, which “isn’t just for the talented”.
What roles did you play in the EMCC series?
I joined the EMCC Crew from 2011-2015. During this time, I had a go at various roles including Front-of-House, Artist Liaison and Production Stage Management departments for the concerts presented under the EMCC series.
What is the most cherished memory you have of your time with EMCC?
There were many memorable instances, but if I had to choose one, it would have to be the Welcome Back to Campus festival, which I was involved with from 2012 – 2014. The annual event was held at the start of each new academic year, and has evolved to be what we know today as HERE! Arts Carnival.
Every year, the entire force of EMCC Crew would come together to execute this brilliant showcase of arts groups on campus. It involved months of planning, but it was so heartening to see so many like-minded friends work together towards a common goal – learning, supporting and sharing laughs together.
Because of the nature of our work, EMCC Crew is always the “first-in-last-out”. I fondly remember how at the end of each production day, after lighting fixtures had bumped out, we would gather in the silent and dimly-lit University Culture Centre Foyer for one final debrief. We would recount the challenges we tackled, and also took the opportunity to express appreciation and gratitude to every EMCC Crew member for being there.
What has your experience with EMCC taught you about the arts in general?
Participating in the EMCC series as part of EMCC Crew opened my eyes to the “world” behind the stage. It was an invaluable opportunity to learn how different productions were conceptualised, crafted, workshopped, rehearsed and presented. Although we were amateurs, we were still given many opportunities to interact with the bona fide arts practitioners, and contribute in our own ways. This experience really made me believe that the arts “isn’t just for the talented” and is something that everyone can partake and find fulfilment in.
I remember that it was in this spirit of inclusivity and participation that EMCC Crew gave members the opportunity to contribute to event publicity. Some of our members were more interested in photography and design, so this gave them avenues to contribute in ways that they felt more comfortable in, such as concert key visuals, programme booklets, social media etc.
Is any inspirational quote from your EMCC days that you remember till this day?
One of our mentors, Mr Kenny Wong (presently Head of Technical Production at Esplanade) left a piece of advice that I remember till today – “The Arts is a people’s business”. It serves as a personal reminder to the Crew members to have humility and treat everyone with respect, and that we usually achieve greater things when we (people) work together.
What are you currently working as? How has your EMCC experience complemented your professional life?
As an arts programmer, the EMCC experience definitely paved the foundation for my current career, having provided domain knowledge that is applicable across a multitude of art forms and events. In addition, members of the community involved in the EMCC series of events continue to be a source of support that I can turn to, be it for professional advice, or simply to reminisce about happy memories!
About #35forEMCC35
NUS Centre For the Arts is proud to commemorate 35 years of ExxonMobil Campus Concerts (EMCC) through our #35forEMCC35 series. Spotlighting 35 individuals from past and present editions of EMCC, the series showcases how EMCC has complemented these individuals’ academic and professional lives, and their hopes for EMCC in the years to come.