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National Arts Council

World's Performing Arts leaders convene in Singapore for International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) 2026 Singapore Congress

19 May 2026

Over 400 performing arts leaders from more than 40 countries gathered in Singapore today for the International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) 2026 Singapore Congress, to exchange ideas and forge new creative collaborations over the next four days. This marks the Congress’ first return to Southeast Asia in over two decades, reinforcing the city-state's role as an international convergence point in the region.

President Tharman Shanmugaratnam was the Guest-of-Honour at the opening of the Congress with Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth & Senior Minister of State for Education, Mr David Neo as Special Guest.

2               Hosted by the National Arts Council (NAC) until 22 May, the ISPA Congress is one of the world’s leading platforms that brings together artists, thought leaders and policymakers to exchange ideas and strengthen international collaboration.

3               "Singapore’s cultural and creative diversity positions us as a vibrant node for artistic exchange. The arts serve as a bridge and we are proud to convene global performing arts leaders in Singapore for ISPA, where voices converge, and artists collaborate,” said Mrs Elaine Ng, Chief Executive Officer, NAC.

Creative Convergence: Singapore as a multicultural node in Southeast Asia

4               Singapore’s creative plurality, showcased in its diverse cultures and art forms, is reflected in the theme of the Congress, "Creative Convergence: Same Same and Different". Inspired by the popular Southeast Asian phrase, the theme captures how the performing arts can bridge cultures, traditions and art forms. This sets the stage for international delegates to encounter Singapore's diversity of art forms and cultures through performances such as:

  • Kriya, a collaborative showcase by award-winning artists weaving in Chinese, Western and Malay influences

  • Janji Kita: Echoes of our land, an outdoor percussion performance by Nadi Singapura

  • Convergence: Nanyin x Asli, a music performance bringing together the vocal traditions of Nanyin and Asli by Siong Leng Musical Association

  • The Long Now, showcasing original jazz compositions and hip-hop choreography by Litmus Jazz Ensemble and Gin Lam

  • A music performance inspired by a myriad of cultures and traditional arts by Flame of The Forest and Shazza

  • Bridges in Motion which was originally conceived as a cross-cultural collaboration between Singapore and Malaysia.

Multicultural Arts Programme Grant open call

5               To advance efforts to deepen Singapore’s multicultural identity, as well as its role in spurring cultural exchange within the region, President Tharman announced that the $20 million Multicultural Arts Programme (MAP) Grant will open for applications on 15 July 2026. First unveiled at the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth’s (MCCY) 2026 Committee of Supply debate, the grant is seeded by the President’s Challenge and MCCY. It will support artists and works anchored in Singapore’s multicultural context, including cross-cultural and cross-border partnerships. Emerging artists and established arts players can apply under two funding categories:

  • Productions – artists can access up to $500,000 for the creation and presentation of high-quality works inspired by Singapore's multicultural traditions and identity, including co-creations with international artists.

  • Ecosystem Development – funding of up to $300,000 is available for projects, held locally or in collaboration with international artists and partners, that strengthen the multicultural arts ecosystem, spanning fellowships, residencies, research, festivals, and incubation labs.

6               A President's Challenge Multiculturalism Panel (PCMP) has been established to advise on the implementation of the MAP Grant and to guide initiatives in multicultural arts. The panel comprises practitioners and community leaders with experience across art forms and cultural traditions. Its full composition will be announced in conjunction with the inaugural grant cycle in July 2026.

Convening global performing arts leaders: Singapore as a vital point for thought leadership

7               Prominent international artists and thought leaders across diverse fields ranging from puppet theatre makers, composers and technologists to well-being practitioners will gather at the ISPA Congress in Singapore to discuss the key trends shaping today’s performing arts ecosystem, from navigating evolving audiences to arts and wellbeing. Key speakers include:

  • Maria Tri Sulistyani, Founder of Papermoon Puppet Theatre (ID)

  • Harry Yeff (Reeps 100), Artist and Technologist (UK)

  • Gabriel Prokofiev, Composer and Founder of Nonclassical (UK/RU)

  • Forrina Chen, Founder, Artistic Director, The Arts Space for Kid (CN)

  • Joon-Yee Kwok, Festival Director, OzAsia Festival (AU)

  • Dr Gan Wee Hoe, Chief Executive Officer, SingHealth Community Hospitals (SG).

8               The topic of sustainability in the theatre sector will also be explored with Kuo Jian Hong, Artistic Director of Singapore’s longest running professional bilingual theatre company, The Theatre Practice (TTP), announcing the launch of TTP’s Theatre Green Book. The open-access resource offers guidelines and best practices on sustainable productions, operations, and buildings for practitioners across the sector. Developed through comprehensive stakeholder consultations and funded by NAC's Arts Resource Hub, the Theatre Green Book is available to all, from independent artists to major theatre companies. This was unveiled prior to the Congress at the Anthony Field Academy, an arts administration programme co-curated by TTP and Creative Climate (AU).

Showcasing Singapore’s artistic excellence to global audiences

9                    The Congress also serves as a launch pad for Singapore artists to connect with international artists and practitioners, showcasing Singapore's creative excellence to the world. Through Pitch New Works, a curated platform hosted by Singapore Repertory Theatre's Artistic Director Gaurav Kripalani, three Singapore projects have been selected for an exclusive pitching opportunity to global presenters and programmers:

  • A Drop in the Ocean by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay and The Artground

  • One Day We'll Understand by CultureLink Singapore in partnership with Chamber Made

  • Strangely Familiar 《熟悉的陌生》 by T.H.E Dance Company, commissioned by Asia+ Festival (Hong Kong) & Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA)

10            In addition, delegates will experience some of Singapore’s key arts precincts - Goodman Arts Centre, Stamford Arts Centre & the Waterloo Arts Belt, and Aliwal Arts Centre & Kampong Gelam, through an artist-led Open City walking tour unique to this edition of the Congress.

11            More information about ISPA 2026 Singapore Congress and the Multicultural Arts Programme Grant and the can be found below, in Annex A and B respectively.

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For media enquiries, kindly contact: 

Goh Tze Yi
Assistant Manager 
Strategic Communications
National Arts Council 
Contact: +65 9091 6320
Email: GOH_Tze_Yi@nac.gov.sg

About National Arts Council

The National Arts Council (NAC) is a statutory board under the Ministry of Culture, Community, and Youth that champions the arts in Singapore. The Council promotes artistic excellence by providing diverse opportunities for artists and arts organisations while expanding access for audiences to appreciate the impact of the arts in enriching lives. By working closely with the arts community and partners, the Council seeks to build a connected society, creative economy and distinctive city through the arts. For more information, visit www.nac.gov.sg (opens in new tab). 

About President’s Challenge

The President’s Challenge seeks to promote a culture of unity and respect. It does so by uplifting aspirations and empowering lives – supporting individuals facing greater challenges to realise their potential, nurturing talent in the arts and sports, and enabling leaders and role models to drive meaningful social impact. Across its efforts, the President’s Challenge will foster volunteerism, multiculturalism, and cross-cultural appreciation as a way of life. For more information, visit www.presidentschallenge.gov.sg (opens in new tab).