National Arts Council to enhance physical and digital spaces for Singapore artists

“This space is associated with so much – with experimentation, with openness, with excitement, with very progressive views on what could be,” added Ms Anderson, who is also a member of the panel.

“It almost seemed like you needed to go there and figure out what’s next, or the next best thing to be looking out for. That really should be retained.”

Ms Anderson and the panel has recommended having a lean programming team to balance business and non-profit activities, guided by a group of advisors.

They also want the location to be an inclusive arts space focusing on experimentation and mentorship, with collaborations with museums and universities in the vicinity.

GOING DIGITAL FOR WIDER REACH

Beyond physical spaces, the NAC is tapping the digital realm for artists to reach a wider audience.

At the end of this month, it is launching a platform which suggests programmes based on users’ preferences and browsing history.

Demand for the arts is expected to rise as technology enables new forms of art production and consumption through different mediums and platforms, said Mr Tong.

“With digitalisation (comes) the ability to grow new audiences and the ability to go deeper with existing audiences,” Mr Tong said, citing the ongoing Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience art exhibition as an example.

“You are used to seeing Starry Night in the gallery in the museum, but it is now presented on a huge scale, with music, presentation, graphics, movement.

“All of this is part of the new digital creative economy and the skill sets behind that, the value add that we can give to new audiences, all of this are untapped potential.”

Aside from building a digital ecosystem, Singapore’s next Arts Plan aims to improve career prospects for practitioners by ramping up support and growing audiences.

The government will boost the sector through new business models, revised intellectual property rights and new programmes for students at the University of the Arts Singapore.

Future graduates can look forward to better job prospects and pathways as Singapore’s creative economy grows under the plan.

“There will be greater focus on increasing access to the arts, and creating more occasions for people to share meaningful experiences through the arts,” Mr Tong said.