Arts Acceleration Programme

1. Arts Organisations Face the Same Cyber Risks as Other Sectors
   Arts organisations are not exempt from cyber threats. As digital systems support operations, data, and engagement, they face the same cybersecurity and data risks as other sectors, with potential operational, reputational, and regulatory impact if unmanaged.

2. People, Process and Technology Must Work Together
   Cyber resilience relies on the effective alignment of people, processes, and technology, reinforced through good cyber hygiene. Clear policies, defined roles, staff awareness, and basic controls reduce common human and procedural gaps that contribute to cyber incidents.

3. Government Standards Provide Clear Baselines
   Singapore has established clear cybersecurity and data protection standards through Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) and Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) respectively. Initiatives such as Cyber Essentials (CEM) and Data Protection Essentials (DPE) provide practical baselines to manage risk, demonstrate accountability, and build trust.

4. Cybersecurity Maturity and Governance Help Focus What Matters
   Knowing where an organisation stands in its cybersecurity journey helps leadership prioritise actions and investments. As maturity increases, strong governance clarifies accountability and decision‑making, supporting secure, and confident use of technology.

5. Quick steps to build cybersecurity within Arts Organisations
   

   1. Establish Appropriate Policies
      Develop clear policies covering IT governance, data classification and protection, acceptable use of technology, and responsible use of AI
      

   2. Backup Critical Data
      Define a backup schedule for business‑critical data. Backup copies should be stored separately and tested regularly to ensure data can be successfully restored
      

   3. Develop an Incident Response Plan
      Establish clear processes and instructions outlining the actions to be taken for different types of cybersecurity incidents
      

   4. Consider obtaining Cyber Insurance
      Beyond offsetting recovery costs, cyber insurance provides access to specialist support during cyber incidents and crisis situations

Click here ↗ (opens in new tab) for the compiled workshop resources and reference materials, or visit the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) ↗ (opens in new tab) website for more information.

Jointly organised by UOB FinLab and the National Arts Council, the third run of the Arts Acceleration Programme (previously known as Acceleration Programme for the Arts) was designed to support self-employed persons (SEPs) in the arts sector to strengthen their business and digital competencies for greater career sustainability and growth.

Through an exciting series comprising 4 sessions of panel discussions, industry sharings, hands-on learning and networking with fellow peers, participants gained tips and skills on personal brand management, business development and ways to manage a creative career more productively with digitalisation.

Each session covered a key piece of the puzzle in building a thriving SEP career in the arts! Find out more about the sessions here ↗ (opens in new tab). 

_________________________________________________________

The Arts Acceleration Programme was brought to you in collaboration with the Arts Resource Hub (ARH). ARH supports arts Self-Employed Persons (SEPs) by providing opportunities to connect, collaborate and grow. Through expert-led dialogues, peer-to-peer learning sessions and community-driven resources, ARH empowers arts SEPs to unlock new opportunities and build resilient careers in the arts.

To discover more learning opportunities such as the Arts Acceleration Programme, subscribe to the Arts Resource Hub (ARH) at go.gov.sg/arhsubscribers ↗ (opens in new tab) to stay updated on upcoming programmes.

Discover how the Arts Resource Hub empowers arts self-employed persons with resources and opportunities at go.gov.sg/arh.

The past 2 editions of the Arts Acceleration Programme (previously known as Acceleration Programme for the Arts) were designed to help arts organisations strengthen their business and digital capabilities towards greater sustainability and growth.

The Programme comprised panel discussions, industry sharing, hands-on learning, consultations and small group discussions on topics such as digital transformation, business development, business operations and digital marketing.

It was also a fruitful opportunity for arts practitioners from various disciplines to network, collaborate, and foster stronger relations with one another - nurturing a stronger sense of community within our diverse arts sector.

Hear more on some of the participants' takeaways and insights from the Programme here ↗ (opens in new tab).