Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay has unified its digital presence by merging Esplanade.com and its editorial platform, “Offstage,” into a single, integrated ecosystem. The redesign, developed by Singapore-based agency Vertis, aims to streamline access to over 4,000 annual performances while preparing the national arts centre for data-driven audience engagement, according to The Esplanade Co Ltd.
Unifying Performance and Storytelling
Previously operating as separate websites, Esplanade.com functioned as a transactional hub for live event listings, while Offstage served as a repository for artist interviews and behind-the-scenes content. By consolidating these under a unified navigation system, the institution seeks to bridge the gap between ticket purchasing and artistic exploration.
Lee Kit Pui, director of marketing at The Esplanade Co Ltd, stated that the move is designed to build “lasting relationships” by offering personalized and relevant experiences. The new architecture features curated landing pages, an upgraded events calendar, and a dedicated “Visit” hub to assist with venue logistics and accessibility requirements.
Did you know?
The Esplanade’s digital infrastructure is built to manage significant scale, supporting a programming schedule that encompasses more than 4,000 individual performances and events every year.
Scaling Digital Infrastructure for Future Growth
The transition to a unified platform is a step in a broader digital transformation strategy. According to the institution, upcoming phases will prioritize the development of a centralized audience data platform. This shift is intended to enable more precise audience targeting and personalized communication strategies.
Vertis, the digital agency behind the project, was selected following a competitive public tender in September 2025 that involved eight regional and international firms. Birendra Balakrishnan, co-founder of Vertis, described the project as an effort to make the arts more accessible while reflecting the institution’s core identity. Mathew Searcy, executive creative director at Vertis, noted that the primary technical challenge was managing the sheer volume of content while ensuring the user interface remained intuitive for the public.
Industry Trends in Arts Digital Transformation
Frequently Asked Questions
What changed on the Esplanade website?
Esplanade.com and the “Offstage” editorial site have been merged into one platform with a shared navigation system and distinct visual identities for live events and arts storytelling.
Why did Esplanade undertake this digital redesign?
The institution aims to improve audience engagement and prepare for future digital initiatives, including the development of a unified audience data platform for more personalized communications.
Who developed the new platform?
The platform was developed by Vertis, a Singapore-based agency that won a competitive public tender in September 2025.
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