The 2021 survey results forecast a rise in interest and engagement levels as arts activities return after the COVID-19 pandemic.
SINGAPORE, 1 December 2022 – The key findings from the biennial Population Survey on the Arts were released today by the National Arts Council (NAC). As the fieldwork surveyed engagement levels from the preceding 12 months, the evolving COVID-19 restrictions throughout 2021 can be seen to have affected attendance and participation levels and perceptions of the arts. Arts and culture activities came to a halt as audiences could not enjoy in-person live performances and events during the heightened alert phases for example, and digital and hybrid modes became a norm as artists and arts groups adapted quickly to continue bringing the arts to audiences. With rich learnings from the pandemic, the Singapore’s arts scene has been coming back to life and the improving outlook paints an optimistic picture of our local arts landscape for 2022 and beyond.
Strong support for the local arts community amidst COVID-19
2 The decline in attendance and participation is expected given the devastating impact of COVID-19, with events constrained by limits on venue capacities and group sizes. Despite the decrease in overall arts attendance to 79%, be it physically or digitally, from 87% in 2019, the outlook for arts engagement is positive with sentiments showing that Singaporeans value the arts in times of social isolation and rallied strongly around the local arts community. 82% of the respondents expressed a sense of pride in Singapore’s arts scene and 71% of respondents affirmed that the arts can contribute to Singapore’s economy, a 4-percentage point increase from 2019. Besides recognising the value of the arts as part of the creative economy, findings also showed that among those who engaged with the arts, more than one third intentionally consumed local arts content, with 47% citing an interest in the content and 40% citing a desire to support local artists as key motivations. Moreover, when asked about expected time spent on arts and culture related events and activities in the next 12 months, respondents expressed high intention levels (60%) to increase or maintain their current levels of arts attendance.
3 The reduced visibility and interaction with the arts could have affected Singaporeans’ overall impression of the arts and culture scene for example, a 5-percentage point decrease in those who perceived that the local arts scene has become more vibrant in the past five years. That said, 69% of Singaporeans also felt that there are sufficient opportunities to nurture young Singaporean artistic talents, a 4-percentage point increase from 2019. The desire to support local artists have been met by opportunities to learn about our homegrown talents and their achievements through platforms such as Our Cultural Medallion Story showcase and the upcoming return show of the Singapore Pavilion, which will acquaint locals with artist Shubigi Rao and curator Ute Meta Bauer who had represented the nation at this year’s prestigious Biennale Arte.
Changing consumption patterns in the arts
4 Our arts sector has witnessed the accelerated use of technology and digitalisation during the pandemic. While live arts experiences can never be fully replaced, more artists today are not only leveraging technology as a solution, but as a medium to experiment with, to transform their artistic practice and ways of working. This 2021 survey reports on a new aspect reflecting how digital arts have expanded the ways in which one can consume the arts. Findings showed that 71% of respondents consumed the arts digitally, with more than four in five digital arts consumers stating that they will continue accessing online arts and culture related content in the next 12 months. Two in five of digital arts consumers also paid for digital arts experiences in the past 12 months, indicating that the willingness to spend and support digital content can be further cultivated. As the arts community innovates and explores creative ways to create and engage audiences, technology and innovation will continue to be a priority in building a sustainable arts ecosystem.
Increased relevance and role of the arts to enhance wellbeing and social compact
5 In a time of crisis brought about by the pandemic, the arts served as a source of comfort and solace for many. The top factors of attendance and participation in the arts from 2021 survey reflect the increasingly significant role of the arts in enhancing well-being. 35% of Singaporeans who attended arts events cited that arts and culture events help them to relax, a notable 10-percentage point increase from 25% in 2019. Arts and culture activities were also deemed to be enjoyable by 51% of participants in 2021, an increase from 44% in 2019.
6 The 2021 survey results also provided two new key insights on the potential to increase Singaporeans' interest in the arts. Firstly, findings reflected the potential effect of early exposure to the arts. Among the respondents, 78% recalled having an experience with the arts in their childhood, including visiting museums and attending classes related to arts and culture. This group was more likely than those who did not recall an experience in their childhood to recognise the personal value of the arts, especially in terms of encouraging cross-cultural understanding and self-expression, as well as appreciate how the arts contribute to social unity and national pride. In appreciating the power of the arts to build a connected society, these respondents were also more likely to advocate for the arts and more willing to donate to the sector. The results illustrate the importance of providing more opportunities for children to encounter the arts, be it through school curricula and out of school activities such as cohort museum-based learning, as well as family-friendly initiatives like #ArtsInYourNeighbourhood.
7 Secondly, findings revealed that having a keen understanding on what the arts entail can create greater receptivity and interest towards the arts. For the first time, the 2021 survey explored if a respondent’s perception of the arts could affect their interest levels. A preamble was provided on the different ways the arts can be presented, such as streaming music while commuting or watching dance challenges and speed-painting on TikTok, after a question on interest in the arts to ascertain if a guided understanding of what constitutes arts engagement would improve audiences’ interest. 11% of respondents reported greater interest in the arts after reading the preamble, which reflects the potential and role of advocacy efforts in broadening Singaporeans’ understanding and the relevance of arts in our lives.
8 Respondents also indicated a desire for greater access to arts and culture events and activities in their neighbourhoods where they live, with 47% requesting for more arts activities to be organised around heartland precincts. This is echoed by the findings that show incidental attendance of free activities also tended to occur among those with neutral or low interest at 18% and 24% respectively. With the return of physical arts events, especially those taking place in everyday spaces, more opportunities will be present to create vibrant spaces for Singaporeans to encounter and engage with the arts.
9 Lynette Pang, Deputy Chief Executive (Planning and Corporate Development), NAC, added, “It is encouraging to witness the pride and appreciation that Singaporeans have for the arts scene, recognising the value of the arts in contributing to our well-being and to the creative economy. The 2021 results affirm our strategic directions for the upcoming launch of Our SG Arts Plan (2023-2027), after extensive engagements since 2021 with many stakeholders. We will continue collaborating with the arts community and partners from the People, Public and Private sectors to advocate the role of the arts in building a connected society, enhance vibrancy of arts offerings to make Singapore a distinctive city and create opportunities to establish a creative economy known locally and internationally.”
10 The 2021 Population Survey of the Arts is commissioned by the NAC as part of its ongoing efforts to understand the state of the arts in Singapore. A total of 2,047 Singaporeans and Permanent Residents were interviewed to better understand Singaporeans’ perceptions of the value of arts and culture, the level of engagement, and the motivations and barriers faced by Singaporeans in attending arts and culture events and activities.
- Annex A - 2021 Population Survey on the Arts Infographic
- Annex B - Key Findings of 2021 Population Survey on the Arts
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About the National Arts Council
The National Arts Council champions the arts in Singapore. By nurturing creative excellence and supporting broad audience engagement, our diverse and distinctive arts inspire our people, connect communities and profile Singapore internationally. We preserve our rich, cultural traditions as we cultivate accomplished artists and vibrant companies for the future. Our support for the arts is comprehensive – from grants and partnerships to industry facilitation and arts housing. The Council welcomes greater private and corporate giving to and through the arts so that together we can make the arts an integral part of everyone’s lives. For more information on the Council's mission and plans, visit www.nac.gov.sg.
About 2021 Population Survey on the Arts
The 2021 Population Survey on the Arts interviewed a total of 2,047 Singaporeans and Permanent Residents (PRs) between January to March 2022, and is representative of the general population. This survey was commissioned by NAC as part of its ongoing efforts in monitoring the state of the arts in Singapore. The survey aims to understand Singaporeans’ perceptions of the value of arts and culture, gauge the level of engagement and understand the motivations and barriers faced by Singaporeans in attending arts and culture events and activities. It also serves to provide arts practitioners, partners and industry stakeholders with useful insights to help plan and implement their programmes and activities.