The Agora was founded by a small team of volunteers dedicated to one goal: Set up a shared space for people to engage in dialogue, discussion and debates. Like its Greek namesake, The Agora was both a physical meeting space of many different interests, as well as a concept of openness and equality of ideas.

The little space we have rented in Midview City, nestled in Singapore’s heartlands, provides an ideal space for this dream to grow. Supported by our social enterprise, The Agora allowed us to expand the space for public discourse in Singapore, to provide a unique experience that melds interests in political and social affairs with the repository of information in books.

The Agora brings together three key elements for this exchange to happen:

• A shared activity space for like-minded civil society organisations
• A “Book Village” where people of all ages can discuss and engage with authors and news-makers on topics, doubling as a repository and shop front for some good reads
• A tinkering box for people across all sectors – commercial entities, CSOs, media organisations and individuals with a passion – to come together to create ideas and fulfil their dreams

Since we started operation in 2014, The Agora has been home to wide range of activities such as talks, forums, exhibitions, book launches and film screenings, generating meaningful discussions and connections among the thousands who have been part of our journey.

But this effort does not come easy. To maintain such a space, we need an estimated annual sum of S$90,000. This amount will go towards funding:

• Rental space and utilities charges – $42,000
• Manpower costs for event management – S$45,000
• Facilities upkeep and event costs – S$3,000

Currently, the cost of running The Agora and its related activities fall on the kind support of donors and some cost recovery from payment for conducted events. To keep this vision alive, we appeal to you to help us make The Agora a sustainable project, for the benefit of an informed and engaged Singapore.

We will contribute the time and effort and we hope you can contribute some funds.  We appeal to you to donate generously to help us create a better-read and more informed Singapore. No donation is too small. Every dollar goes a long way in making this project successful.

We ask for your assistance with raising at least S$20,000, and we will do our best to fulfil our funding needs through our own efforts.