Role of the art and the importance in Singapore

What roles do the Arts play in Singapore? How important are these roles?



According to the Ministry of Information, Communication and the Arts in Singapore, the arts plays three important roles in our society. It is a foundation of our cultural heritage, a source of aesthetic inspiration and intellectual stimulation and lastly, a rich resources for our creative industries.

These roles are of different importance. The role of art being a foundation of our cultural heritage is the most important. Through art work, Singapore can create its own unique identity that as Singaporeans can identify with. An example is the Singapore Season launched in London in 2005. It was also held in Beijing and Shanghai in 2007. Singapore Season aims to showcase Singapore's most creative talents to the rest of the world. Many Singaporeans in these cities who attended the festival also enjoyed themselves. It displayed many Singapore music groups like the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Singapore Chinese Orchestra and the Singapore Dance Theatre. Singapore pop star JJ Lin was also involved in the show.

Art has also been more recognition in recent years. The setting up of the School of the Art, Singapore (SOTA) represented the level of importance of art in Singapore. The school will help breed a new generation of artists who are well equipped with the knowledge of the various form of art. Singaporeans who are talented and passionate about art will no longer have to travel overseas to study. Singapore has also build the esplanade - theater by the bay which serves as a venue to stage all forms of art. Besides having a large theater to stage world class productions, the also stage works out in the open air which is free for all to watch and enjoy. It hope to bring the art to the people.

Without doubt, economics still play an important role in the promotion of the arts. Without the financial support, it is almost impossible to run the various outreach programme by the National Art Council. Many companies sponsor the plays which in turn help them to advertise. This results in a win-win situation in that more people can enjoy the plays.


In conclusion, art in Singapore plays many roles and that the different roles are important in different areas.

Chee Ying