Youth access to public spaces for arts activities and cultural expression

832. Mr Victor Lye: To ask the Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) whether time-based or location-specific alternatives have been considered to balance the needs of pedestrians and of youth dancers at Bayfront MRT station, instead of the deterrent measures adopted; (b) whether there are plans to designate or pilot public spaces to support youth arts activities; and (c) how does the Ministry assess the use of public spaces for cultural and community value.

 Response:

1.         The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) works with partners to provide accessible spaces for youths to pursue their interests and activities, including youth arts activities. These include    dance spaces that can be booked at no cost at six ActiveSG Sport Centres and at open space locations equipped with full-length mirrors in The Kallang precinct, as well as open spaces at *SCAPE for community use. Under the SG Youth Plan, MCCY is also redeveloping Somerset Belt as a youth precinct that supports youth aspirations and empowers them to shape the space into something to call their own. 

2.         The National Arts Council (NAC) also works with partners to unlock suitable spaces for artists and arts groups, including young and budding artists, to enable access to spaces that support the different stages of their artistic needs, from creation to rehearsals to presentation. 

3.         For example, under the Super 24 Training Grounds initiative, NAC, in collaboration with SMRT and O School, activated three MRT stations as accessible rehearsal spaces for Super 24 dance competition participants. Similarly, initiatives such as ArtsEverywhere@CDC activate community spaces, such as community centres, to provide arts groups and practitioners with performance opportunities to reach new audiences in the heartlands.

4.         The underground linkway connecting Bayfront MRT station to Gardens by the Bay is privately owned and managed by Marina Bay Sands. With regard to the use of public spaces for cultural and community activities, we consider factors such as accessibility, safety, impact on other users, and the intended purpose of the space. The key is finding the right balance – supporting our youths and our vibrant arts community whilst ensuring shared spaces remain accessible and safe for all users.