More Singaporeans supported arts and cultural events in 2018

1. More Singaporeans supported arts and cultural events in 2018, according to the 2019 Singapore Cultural Statistics released today. Attendance at arts and cultural events hit a record high of 13.6 million, bolstered by an all-time high attendance of 11.4 million at non-ticketed events, as well as 2.2 million attendance at ticketed events. Visitorship to national museums and heritage institutions remained strong at about 5.4 million. The culture of giving to the sector has also grown over the years. Contributions to arts and culture has been sustained at a higher level, amounting to an average of $86 million per year between 2014 and 2018, since the introduction of the Cultural Matching Fund (CMF) in 2014.

2. Non-ticketed attendance has been on the rise since 2013, before reaching a record high of 11.4 million in 2018. The increase of over 100,000 in 2018 was mainly due to an increase in arts education and community programmes, in addition to stronger programming partnerships that amplified audience reach. Several large-scale and popular productions in 2018 also contributed to 2.2 million attendance at ticketed events, the highest since 2012.

3. Apart from higher attendance at arts and cultural performances and events, regular offerings at our National Museums and Heritage Institutions, alongside new initiatives such as outdoor lawn installations and precinct-level programming, have led to sustained visitorship of about 5.4 million visitorship in 2018.

4. Over the last few years, the arts and cultural sector has seen sustained higher levels of giving, with an average of $86 million per year between 2014 and 2018. This points to a growing culture of giving, and the increased capability of the sector to attract donors. Between 2009 and 2013, contributions stood at an average of $58 million per year.

5. Commenting on the findings, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Grace Fu said, “The 2019 Cultural Statistics show that more Singaporeans actively engaged in our arts and culture in various ways – be it attending events, visiting museums, or giving to our arts groups. This would not have been possible without the hard work of our practitioners and partners. We will continue to work closely with them to raise the quality of our offerings, provide more opportunities for artists and audiences alike, and build a more vibrant arts and cultural scene.”

6. The Singapore Cultural Statistics 2019 can be found here [PDF, 551 KB].

For media queries, please contact:

Ms Jade Chen
Corporate Communications Division
Tel: +65 6837 8974
Email: jade_chen@mccy.gov.sg

Ms Joan Khor
Corporate Communications Division
Tel: +65 6837 9424 
Email: joan_khor@mccy.gov.sg