Greater support for the arts and culture in SG50

There was greater support for the arts and culture in 2015, according to this year’s Singapore Cultural Statistics. More Singaporeans attended arts and culture institutions and events, with visitorship to National Museums and Heritage Institutions hitting an all-time high of almost 4 million visitors. Attendance at non-ticketed heritage events and ticketed performing arts events also increased.

Individuals and corporations contributed more than S$150 million in cash, in-kind donations and sponsorship. Through the Cultural Matching Fund, the Government matched almost S$80 million of corporate and private sector giving.

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Grace Fu said, "SG50 was a good year for the arts and culture sector. Many Singaporeans attended and participated in arts and heritage events. The SG50 Concert Series in the Park, Jubilee Walk, opening of National Gallery Singapore and many more events drew large crowds. It is also heartening to note the strong support from patrons, in their sponsorship which helps to further develop the sector. I hope that beyond SG50, Singaporeans will continue to support the arts and culture. Together, we can build a vibrant and rich arts and culture scene for all Singaporeans.”

The key highlights of the Singapore Cultural Statistics 2016 are as follows:

Overall increase in visitorship at Cultural Institutions 

Visitorship to National Museums and Heritage Institutions increased from 3 million in 2014 to almost 4 million in 2015. There was a rise in visitorship across most institutions. 2015 also saw the opening of the National Gallery Singapore and Indian Heritage Centre. 

Increase in arts and culture attendance and offerings

Non-ticketed attendance at heritage events increased by about a million, from about 5 million in 2014 to more than 6 million in 2015. More audiences attended ticketed performing arts events, while non-ticketed attendance remained relatively stable. This is similar to the findings of the National Arts Council’s National Population Survey 2015, which found that Singaporeans’ attendance and interest in the arts has grown.

More arts programmes and activities were organised in 2015. The number of ticketed and non-ticketed performances increased, from about 3,200 and 4,900, to more than 3,300 and almost 5,000 respectively. More visual arts exhibitions were also held, from about 970 in 2014 to almost 1050 in 2015.

Greater private sector support for the Arts and Culture 

The Government, through the Cultural Matching Fund, matched almost S$80 million of corporate and private sector giving. Cash, in-kind donations and sponsorship surpassed S$150 million in 2015, as compared to about S$60 million in 2014. This could be attributed to the celebrations and 300% tax deductions during SG50, the opening of National Gallery Singapore and greater awareness of the Cultural Matching Fund.

Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth
15 Nov 2016