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2023 Arts and Heritage Scholarships Group Photo

(Front L-R) Muhammad Adib Bin Kosnan Siran, Mr Low Eng Teong, Chief Executive of the National Arts Council (NAC), Ms Goh Swee Chen, Chairman of NAC, Ms Low Yen Ling, Minister of State, Ministry for Culture, Community and Youth, Ms Chang Hwee Nee, Chief Executive of the National Heritage Board, Ian Liu Ziwei
(Back L-R) Jazlyn Tan Jia Yu, Ho Wei-Jie, Lucas, Laetitia Keok Yu Qi, Liu Yixin Jonathan, Seet Yun Teng, Catherine Kamala Wei Sin Papanasam Setlur Kausikan

SINGAPORE, 4 August 2023 – Ten outstanding individuals have been awarded the National Arts Council (NAC) and National Heritage Board (NHB) Arts and Heritage Scholarships this year. These scholarships are dedicated to nurturing outstanding and promising individuals who demonstrate leadership qualities and are committed to propelling the advancement of Singapore’s arts, heritage, and culture sector.

Scholarship recipients this year collectively underscore the value of arts in Singapore where the arts can bring wide-ranging benefits to various communities. This includes providing social-emotional learning for students in special schools through drama programmes, bridging the gap between d/Deaf and hearing. They also aspire to forge new frontiers and catalyse new opportunities for the arts such as the transformation of art-making beyond the boundaries of traditional mediums. Coming from diverse backgrounds, this year’s scholarship recipients comprise artists and practitioners who have established a strong track record with accomplishments across different disciplines, as well as creative talents who are in the earlier stages of their careers with new ambitions in the arts.

The scholars are supported to pursue their studies in diverse fields such as arts pedagogy, fine arts, performance in sign language, and information technology. This reflects the relevance and responsiveness of arts talent in emerging fields such as arts and technology, arts and disability, as well as arts and care.

NAC scholars can look forward to further development opportunities with our arts and cultural organisations. Previous batches of scholars had completed their stints which allowed them to work closely with the sector, and they were exposed to areas such as mentorship, programming, and community engagement. NHB scholars will have opportunities to participate in mentorship programmes within NHB and in the wider culture sector to further support their career and personal development.

Capability development continues to form a key part of NAC and NHB’s multifaceted support for the arts and heritage, such as through the Arts and Heritage Scholarships. These efforts to groom homegrown cultural talents seek to encourage capable individuals to pursue varied careers in the arts, heritage and culture sectors, and inspire others to become changemakers as Singapore builds a sustainable arts and culture ecosystem together.

This year, NAC and NHB have drawn up our respective five-year plans that will chart the next phase of growth for Singapore’s arts, heritage, and museum sectors. Our SG Arts Plan (2023-2027) will champion artistic excellence and cultivate engaged audiences, with the arts playing a stronger role in fostering a connected society anchored by our shared national identity, establishing Singapore as a distinctive city for arts and culture, while spurring innovation through a creative economy. Likewise, Singapore’s heritage belongs to all of us, and is a foundation for our multicultural identity. Our SG Heritage Plan 2.0 will strengthen Singaporeans’ connection to our heritage and cultivate a heritage and museum ecosystem which will enrich the lives of the community.