Recognising corporate philanthropy in our arts sector

Professor Chan Heng Chee, Chair of the National Arts Council
Ms Kathy Lai, CEO, National Arts Council
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen

1. It is my pleasure to be here this evening to celebrate and honour nearly 350 donors who have contributed generously to the arts scene in Singapore.
   

2. All of you have made an impact by giving to the arts, and I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering commitment and support. Many of you have returned year after year to contribute. I am heartened by your dedication, which has been a strong encouragement for others to step forward.
   

3. This year, for example, I am glad that 3 out of 10 of donors are corporations and individuals who are donating to the arts for the first time. This demonstrates a growing awareness and understanding of the needs in our arts and culture sector. Your support shows that culture is shared and owned by all of us. I warmly welcome our new donors, and hope that your generous spirit of giving will inspire others to do the same.
   

4. This close partnership between the people and the private sectors is precisely what we aimed to create when we set up the Cultural Matching Fund. Through the Fund, the government provides dollar-for-dollar matching of all private cash contributions to art and heritage charities, effectively doubling the charitable funds that go into the arts and heritage sector.
   

5. And not surprisingly, we've seen very positive response to the Matching Fund. We launched this last November and we have the first round of application closing at the end of May. From the first round of applications, we have received 30 applications totalling more than $10 million. Assuming all of that is matched, that will double the amount of matching to $20 million.
   

6. One such application is from the Chinese Opera Institute (COI). It did its fundraising for the first time fund-raiser this year. The COI was exploring ways to raise funds for research and development. They wanted to do that in the area of Chinese opera traditions. Spurred on by the Matching Fund, they decided to step up their engagement efforts with their stakeholders. They went on to raise over $400,000 – a commendable first effort for themselves and their partners.
   

7. I believe there are many more arts groups who can and will benefit from the Matching Fund. That's why we expect the applications to double in value (to $20 mn) by the next application window, in end-Sept. At the same time, I would also like to encourage more donors to step forward in the knowledge that your contributions are valued by our arts groups, and that the impact of your generosity will be multiplied through the government's support.
   

8. I'm also glad to note that many of our patrons have chosen to donate in ways that meet specific needs in the arts and cultural sector. Let me give you one example. Earlier this year, Marina Bay Sands had made a $750,000 pledge to make art more accessible to all Singaporeans. These funds will go into the Public Art Trust. This is a new initiative which I announced this year to bring art to high traffic areas in the city and heartlands. The contribution by Marina Bay Sands will provide an early boost for the Public Art Trust, and I want to thank Marina Bay Sands for their contribution.
   

9. Giving can take many forms. Besides cash donations, many of our arts organisations are also now getting help from companies, in the area of building up capabilities. It can range from from legal services to design, to advertising and photography.
   

10. Another form of giving – and one that addresses a real need – is for organisations to offer spaces to our arts groups. In land-scarce Singapore, our arts organisations face the continuous challenge of finding dedicated spaces to create and practise their art.
    

11. The NAC is doing all it can to expand spaces for arts groups. I assure you that NAC is always looking for ways to expand spaces for arts groups. For example, we've had the Aliwal Arts Centre and the Centre 42, which was just opened recently. But space is a perennial constraint. That is why contributions by patrons that support more spaces for the arts are especially valued.
    

12. The Far East Organization is one example. They have recently offered financial support and one level of car park space at Orchard Central. This is prime space at Orchard Central. One level of car park space to be re-purposed into an arts centre. This will be taken up by Little Arts Academy, which will give the youths there a dedicated space to pursue their aspirations in dance, music, theatre and the visual arts. I hope through such generous support, we will be able witness the budding of future artists from among these people.
    

13. Whether through your cash contributions, your offering of business expertise, or other forms of support, we are reminded that every contribution is vital to furthering artistic development and excellence in Singapore. As a result of your generosity, the arts will continue to transform communities – allowing individuals from all walks of life to come together to celebrate life, share common experiences, express themselves and see the world through different eyes. I can think of few better investments than this. So I hope all of you will continue to donate generously to the arts. I know there are many opportunities for you to provide philanthropic and charitable giving, but I hope that arts, culture and heritage will be one of your priorities.
    

14. On behalf of the National Arts Council, the arts community and all Singaporeans, I would like to say a heartfelt “thank you” to all our donors here tonight: for your conviction, your generosity and your unwavering commitment to grow the arts in Singapore. With the private sector and the government walking alongside and supporting our arts organisations, I am confident of a bright and sustainable future for our arts and cultural scene.
    

15. On that note, let me wish all of you a pleasant evening ahead, and I look forward to seeing you here again next year. Thank you very much.