Written Answer to Unanswered Oral Question

Publicity Support for Music Artistes and Performers in Promoting Their Work

Speakers

Summary

This question concerns MP Darryl David’s inquiry regarding new and upcoming media and publicity support available to help Singaporean music artistes and performers promote their work. Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo updated that the National Arts Council (NAC) will introduce new content partnerships for its "Life. Better with the Arts" campaign and utilize the Catch platform for free publicity. He highlighted the I Play SG Music initiative, which broadcasts local music in public spaces and transport hubs, having already showcased over 200 artists through various partnerships. Additionally, the Marketing and Audience Development Grant remains available to help performers market their work and reach international festivals to cultivate wider audiences. The Ministry and NAC will continue collaborating with stakeholders to strengthen the visibility and reach of homegrown music both locally and abroad.

Transcript

116 Mr Darryl David asked the Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth whether the Government can provide an update on any new or upcoming media and publicity support available to help Singaporean music artistes and performers promote their work.

Mr David Neo: The National Arts Council (NAC) provides multiple platforms to help Singapore artists, including music artists, showcase and promote their work. Last year, NAC launched an Arts Advocacy Campaign, "Life. Better with the Arts", that profiled more than 80 artists and arts organisations. Its second year will feature new content partnerships to profile our artists.

This builds on Catch, a platform launched in 2023 to promote local arts and culture experiences. Catch provides arts groups with free event publicity and added reach through editorial and social media content.

NAC has also launched the I Play SG Music (IPSGM) to help the public discover homegrown artists in public spaces. Through partnerships with Singapore Mass Rapid Transit Corporation, local music is played across train stations and bus interchanges, and artists have been featured on high-visibility billboards at selected Mass Rapid Transit stations. To date, IPSGM has showcased over 200 local artists and has expanded to partners, including Marina Bay Sands and Changi Airport Group.

NAC also supports artists through schemes, like the Marketing and Audience Development Grant, which helps them market their work, build audiences and perform at international platforms and festivals.

The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and NAC will continue to work with artists and stakeholders to strengthen the visibility of Singapore music and cultivate wider audiences for our music artists and performers.