Enhancing accessibility of arts performances and concerts for Persons with Disabilities

Oral PQ 6254: Mr Ong Hua Han: To ask the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth how is the Ministry working with ticket providers and event organisers to develop equitable ticketing policies to enhance accessibility of arts performances and concerts for wheelchair users and persons with disabilities.

1. We are committed to enhancing the accessibility of arts performances and concerts for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

2. While event organizers and concert promoters have their own ticketing policies, MCCY's cultural institutions support accessibility to arts programmes by offering ticket concessions to PwDs, including wheelchair users. 

3. Apart from ticket concessions, our cultural institutions work closely with community partners like SG Enable to develop and introduce inclusive programming for PwDs.

   • This includes introducing more accessibility features during performances, such as audio description, captioning, and sign language interpretation.

   • A recent example is the mini concert staged by the Singapore Chinese Orchestra on 26 June 2024 at the National Gallery Singapore for the visually impaired from the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped.

   • The Esplanade also offers “relaxed performances” as part of its PLAYtime! series of theatre productions for children. These performances feature adjusted lighting and sound levels, ensuring visitors with sensory needs can thoroughly enjoy the experience.

4. These initiatives are complemented by the ongoing capability development efforts of the National Arts Council (NAC) and National Heritage Board (NHB) among the arts and cultural organisations, museums, practitioners, and volunteers to strengthen inclusive programming.

   • Examples include the Arts & Disability Forum, jointly organised by NAC and non-profit organisation ART:DIS, and the Accessibility and Inclusion Month, organised by NHB for the Museum Roundtable members. Both platforms share best practices on access and inclusivity in the arts and heritage sector.

5. To expand access to quality arts experiences for PwDs upstream, NAC also supports arts education efforts in Special Education (SPED) schools through its Artist-in-School Scheme and the Tote Board Arts Grant subsidy.