December 13, 2022
35 for EMCC35 | Lishi Lee
In this instalment of our #35forEMCC35 series, we spotlight Lishi Lee who has been working in arts and entertainment since graduating from NUS in 2009. In 2010, she joined NUS Centre For the Arts (CFA) as a NUS Arts Festival Assistant, and subsequently became a full-time staff within the Talent Development and Programming unit until 2013. From there, she joined Timbre Group from 2013 to 2022, where she expanded her skills to include music and lifestyle programming, artiste management, F&B operations, business development, client servicing, festival management, and international touring. She has just started her own business, Covert Operations LLP, with some partners, focusing on curated F&B pop-up solutions and unique entertainment experiences.
How were you involved in the EMCC series?
I started out performing in Rockfest and Amplitude as part of NUS Kent Ridge Hall’s band, choir, and a cappella groups, probably every year between 2005-2009. I also acted with NUS Varsity Drama, a student-formed drama group that subsequently became NUS Stage. I took part in two productions, its inaugural play, Cat & Mouse in 2007, and later, Backtoback in 2008. These productions were made possible through the EMCC platform, which eventually lead to the birth of NUS Stage. So, in a way, NUS Stage would not have formed if not for EMCC, and I am so proud of being part of the original company.
What EMCC projects were you involved with at NUS CFA?
As a staff, I often doubled up as emcee for many shows throughout the years, which included Timbre MusicFest in 2010.
Some of the student arts groups I managed included NUS Indian Dance, NUS Chinese Drama and nuStudios, all of which presented showcases under EMCC. I was also interim manager of EMCC programming for a short while in 2013. During this time, I teamed up with my colleagues and EMCC Crew to curate some of the unplugged shows, and execute larger EMCC shows like the opening shows.
I was also a performer. In 2012, I took part in Naked Voices, an a cappella concert, with my NUS alumni a cappella group 23:59. It was held within EMCC too.
What do you enjoy most about being in this role?
There’s so much work that goes behind the scenes! I love working with a team and pulling various strings to get things into a place, so that the artists can shine and the audience can have an incredible experience. As a student performer, I witnessed how much work NUS staff and EMCC Crew put together to make it all possible for us, and I credit it with inspiring me to do likewise.
How has the experience been like working with undergraduates from EMCC Crew?
I am inspired by many of my former colleagues who have come and gone and left their imprint on the EMCC series. Each of them often have their own artistic viewpoints, ideas on curation, and methods of event planning.
What hopes do you have for EMCC Crew or its programming?
I hope that EMCC continues to be an incredible platform to showcase all forms of art and experiences, both mass and niche, as they all speak to us differently. And that the EMCC Crew continues to have the lifelong friendships and skills that they bring into their future lives, whether they be arts practitioners or patrons.
What is your current occupation? What does it entail?
Currently I am taking a sabbatical from work to focus on my personal growth and upskilling. However I can’t seem to sit still for long! I have recently set up Covert Operations LLP with some partners, a company that provides curated F&B pop-up solutions and unique entertainment experiences. One of our first projects was launching a taco concept pop-up stall called Hola My Taco at Singapore Grand Prix 2022. I am also currently freelancing upon request, taking on production/stage management and arts curation projects that interest me.
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.