SINGAPORE — To strengthen its arts and cultural landscape, Singapore will allocate an additional S$100 million to the SG Arts Plan 2023-2027 over four years.
Lo Yen Ling, Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth, said the additional funding will be used to expand Singaporeans’ access to the arts, develop Singapore’s artists and arts workers, and build a strong arts ecosystem where the arts come together. , said it aims to strengthen various aspects of the arts field. Businesses and artists alike will prosper.
Mr Low elaborated on the details at the ministry’s supply committee on Thursday, March 7. She highlighted her efforts aimed at expanding access to the arts and expanding the scope and importance of the arts sector to diverse segments of society.
The government’s agenda also includes arts and welfare. Mr Low pointed to the success of the National Gallery of Singapore’s “Slow Art” program, citing reduced stress levels and improved sense of well-being among participants. The National Arts Council (NAC) will work with health organizations such as SingHealth and the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) to develop a framework to promote the arts for health and wellbeing.
“This framework and resources will open up further opportunities for artists to use their craft to support and promote health,” she added.
NHB has ongoing cooperation with social services for the welfare of the elderly
The National Heritage Board (NHB) will continue to work with social welfare agencies to implement heritage-based interventions to improve the well-being of older people. This is consistent with the community-focused approach of the SG Heritage Plan 2.0.
For example, the National Museum of Singapore has established an inclusive social space named Reunion aimed at older adults, including those with mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Here you can participate in meaningful activities and conversations inspired by the museum’s collections.
She said the ministry not only engages older people in arts-related activities, but also actively engages young people in efforts to promote and preserve Singapore’s heritage.
NHB has recruited 35 young people to contribute to the development of the first Youth Heritage Blueprint. This provides a platform for young people to express their perspectives and influence the direction of museums and heritage landscapes.
“Through these initiatives, we hope to make art and heritage accessible to all Singaporeans of all ages and ensure meaningful engagement with our cultural heritage,” Mr Low added.
Innovative projects and traditional nodes
Efforts to enrich Singapore’s cultural landscape through innovative use of space were highlighted. Mr Low said NAC’s collaboration with public and private sector partners aims to unlock and develop art spaces across Singapore.
Projects such as the revitalization of 45 Armenian Street as a hub for artistic experimentation will provide approximately 14,000 square feet of space for the arts upon completion in 2026.
SG Heritage Plan 2.0 seeks to go beyond the physical space and deepen understanding of Singapore’s rich heritage. Heritage Activation Nodes (HAN) will be established in different neighborhoods to co-create heritage activities and celebrate the unique identity of each region.
“The first of these nodes will be deployed in Katong Joo Kyat next month (April 2024), and the second HAN in Clementi will be deployed later this year,” Low said.
Enhanced support and resources for self-employed workers
The government also aims to support arts workers, particularly the self-employed (SEP), by enhancing training opportunities and expanding access to finance.
“NAC will strengthen its support for arts SEPs to increase their prospects and chances of success. We will enhance and increase training opportunities,” Lowe said.
The council plans to enhance training opportunities for these self-employed artists through multiple routes such as work-based, peer-to-peer or self-directed learning. The Arts Resource Hub provides career guidance resources and content customized for Arts SEPs.
NAC also expands funding access for training, benefiting individuals such as art instructors. The Council works with organizations such as the National Instructors & Coaches Association (NICA) to provide grants and benefits through programs such as NAC-NICA Training Support.
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