From www.nac.gov.sg

Speech by RADM (NS) Lui Tuck Yew at the 2009 Arts Supporter Award Ceremony

SPEECH BY MR LUI TUCK YEW, ACTING MINISTER FOR INFORMATION, COMMUNICATIONS AND THE ARTS AT THE 2009 ARTS SUPPORTER AWARD CEREMONY ON 20 NOVEMBER 2009, 7.00PM AT LASALLE ICA GALLERIES

Mr Edmund Cheng,

Chairman of National Arts Council,

Our Esteemed Partners

Ladies and Gentlemen

Overview for Arts sponsorship in 2008

I am pleased to be here tonight on this happy occasion to celebrate and honour the 187 Arts Supporters for your generous contributions to the arts in 2008. In a year of economic challenges, your generous contribution of $3.7 million, in cash and in kind, has supported more than 40 beneficiaries. It also enabled the arts scene to remain buoyant with a 10 per cent increase in the number of arts activities in 2008.

Arts Supporter Award

2 Arts and culture play an important role in our society, enriching our lives, strengthening our sense of belonging and the fabric of our society. Our vision for the arts and culture scene in Singapore is to be more inclusive and accessible and for individuals to take greater ownership in the arts. We also believe that contribution to the arts should encompass a broader community. The Arts Supporter Award was thus launched to recognise contributions from a wider section of the community, such as local businesses, small-medium enterprises, grassroots organisations and community groups.

3 Donations, in all forms and amounts, not only benefit the arts community, but more importantly, create an opportunity for organisations and individuals, like yourselves, to embrace greater ownership of the arts in Singapore. When the first awards were given in 2001, there were 135 recipients who contributed $2.7 million. Since then, our pool of arts supporters has grown steadily, with a 37 per cent increase.

4 Tonight, we recognise 146 organisations and 41 individuals who have contributed generously to the arts with the Arts Supporter Award. We are pleased to note that more individuals have stepped forward to give to the arts, and this is complemented by steady contributions from foundations, community organisations and businesses. Notably, eighty-two recipients are first-time donors. It is encouraging to see more local companies embracing arts partnership to help raise their corporate profiles and complement their branding initiatives.

5 In 2008, our arts supporters contributed mainly in three areas: enlivening the arts scene through their support for festivals, productions and exhibitions; outright donations to arts groups and institutions; and developing talents through scholarships and bursaries. I am glad to know that your support was extended across all art forms, to professional arts companies and community groups, traditional arts and contemporary practices.

New Initiatives

6 The arts scene in Singapore thrives on the tripartite partnership of public, private and people sectors. Private giving amounts to around $40 million per year on average. There is scope to grow this further in Singapore. There is also a need to cultivate organisations and individuals who proactively take a stake in developing the arts, by contributing time, effort or finance. For these reasons, my Ministry has set up the Arts & Culture Development Office in September this year. The Office aims to foster greater public, private and community partnerships that will broaden and deepen the support base for arts and culture in Singapore and to promote a stronger culture of philanthropy. One of its first initiatives is to launch an arts and culture donation and volunteer platform to cultivate a greater spirit of giving, be it in cash, in kind or in service.

Conclusion

7 On behalf of the Council and the arts community, I would like to offer my gratitude and appreciation to all the recipients this evening. I look forward to your continued support and contributions to help us grow a more vibrant arts sector.

Thank you and have a pleasant evening.

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