Recognising our Patrons of the Arts

Professor Chan Heng Chee, Chairman, National Arts Council (NAC)

Patrons and supporters

Ladies and gentlemen

1. Good evening to all of you. It is my pleasure to be here this evening, as we honour and thank all of you for your generous contributions to the arts in Singapore.

The value of the arts in enriching our lives

2. We value the arts for enriching our lives, expanding our horizons and fulfilling our aspirations. At MCCY, we also recognise that the arts connect diverse groups of people, and contribute to the well-being of our society.  Because of how the arts move our hearts, it is a powerful medium that can rally communities, in building a caring and cohesive society. In addition, the canon of works created by our artists adds to our culture and heritage, and strengthens national identity and pride. MCCY is thus committed to growing a vibrant arts and culture sector for Singapore.

3. NAC is also working on refreshing its mission and vision to reflect its renewed commitment to grow the arts and cultural sector. Through this, we hope to articulate how Singapore can be home to diverse and distinctive arts, and emphasise the importance of the arts in inspiring our people, connecting our communities and positioning Singapore globally. NAC will champion the creation and appreciation of the arts as an integral part of our lives. This refreshed mission and vision would also better align with MCCY's objectives of harnessing the arts to build a cohesive community, to strengthen national identity and pride; and for Singaporeans to actively participate in and support the arts. We hope that you will continue to lend us your support.

Patronage as an invaluable partnership in the arts sector

4. Your giving towards the arts is an invaluable partnership to the government's investment. Your contributions help us develop artistic excellence and capabilities, expand access to and appreciation for the arts, and unlock the social value of the arts. Your patronage also demonstrates support for the artistic fraternity, and encourages them to be the best they can be.

5. It is encouraging that in this economically-challenging climate, we received a total of about $65 million in cash, sponsorship and in-kind contributions to the arts last year. This is almost double the overall giving to the arts five years ago. In-kind contribution, which includes artwork loans, is also at an all-time high of over $20 million in 2016, compared to about $7 million the previous year.

6. Perhaps, it is precisely in these difficult times, that we need the arts to uplift our spirits and enrich our lives. To further encourage cultural philanthropy and support for our arts scene, earlier this year, the government announced an additional $150 million top-up to the Cultural Matching Fund. We hope that the Fund will further catalyse the momentum of public giving to the arts, and enable the public to have a stake in the sustained development of our arts and heritage scene. We are now undertaking a review of the Fund, to better ensure that we channel funding towards meeting strategic priorities for the arts and culture sector.

Nurturing a caring society through the arts

7. Many of our “Distinguished Patrons of the Arts” recipients are long-time donors and have shown their support in many ways. In addition to providing monetary support to the arts, Marina Bay Sands (MBS) has actively incorporated the arts into its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts. For example, MBS provided funding support towards Art Outreach's Assembly Programme, which promotes art appreciation and art literacy. As a result, the programme was able to reach out to more than 47,000 primary school students in 2016. MBS employees also helped to conduct MBS Art Path tours, to showcase art installations around MBS for schools with special needs.

8. To nurture the next generation of artistic talent and arts supporters, your contributions towards arts education are invaluable. With support from BinjaiTree and The Ireland Funds Singapore, selected students from the LASALLE College of the Arts received scholarships and bursaries to pursue an arts education. At the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), top diploma graduates were recognised through the contribution of Mr Wu Tsung Kan. The Ngee Ann Kongsi has also contributed towards the NAFA Development Fund. Children from families in need have been able to nurture their artistic talents, through HSBC's giving towards “The Business Times Budding Artists Fund”, and the UOB's contribution towards visual arts programmes run by The Red Pencil, The Little Arts Academy and Northlight School.

Developing shared experiences through the arts

9. The arts also foster mutual understanding and shared experiences in our multi-cultural society. A long-standing supporter of the arts, Keppel Corporation Limited partnered the Esplanade, to enable students to attend world-class performances at the iconic performing arts centre. Keppel also promotes staff volunteerism through their group-wide volunteer movement, Keppel Volunteers. In May 2016, over 50 volunteers from Keppel received training at the National Gallery Singapore's Keppel Centre for Art Education, to be effective art ambassadors to young visitors, and to encourage our next generation in exploring our shared identity as Singaporeans.

10. Singaporeans of diverse backgrounds have also been able to enjoy quality international arts performances because of patrons such as Conrad Centennial Singapore. A supporter of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Conrad Centennial has made it possible for Singaporeans to experience performances by famous international artists and musicians such as Yo-Yo Ma, Okko Kamu, and Juan Jackson, on home ground.

Conclusion

11. In conclusion, the arts and culture are integral to who we are and how we live. As patrons of the arts, your support will go a long way, not just in furthering artistic development and excellence in Singapore, but also in bringing people together through the arts, and enriching the lives of many generations of Singaporeans to come.

12. We are all here because we appreciate the arts, and love the arts. I think it is important for us to enable Singaporeans from all segments of society to have the opportunity to appreciate and have access to the arts. What you are doing here in many different ways is really allowing us to work towards this goal, where everyone in Singapore, regardless of race, religion and background, has the opportunity to appreciate and enjoy good art in Singapore.

13. Thank you for your unwavering support for the arts. I wish you an enjoyable evening ahead.