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Milestones

All 2022 2021 2011-2020 2001-2010 1991-2000

2022

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Signing of a three-year MOU with United Overseas Bank Limited (UOB) to support the arts ecosystem and position Singapore as an arts hub for Southeast Asia

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Launch of Sector Transformation Fund to provide support for arts companies' transformation efforts

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Launch of busking e-service portal  for buskers to enjoy greater access to locations and slots, and for members of the public to access information on busking activities islandwide.

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Signing of a five-year MOU with the Embassy of France in Singapore to support a bilateral Artist-In-Residency Programme for artists and arts professionals from both countries

2021

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Official launch of Our Cultural Medallion Story, an interactive showcase recognising the achievements of the recipients of the Cultural Medallion, Singapore’s highest accolade for the arts


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Launch of Sustain the Arts (stART) Fund to provide small arts organisations with support and training opportunities.

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30th anniversary since the formation of NAC, commemorating 30 years of arts and culture together with the arts community.

2020

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Launch of the #SGCultureAnywhere campaign to bring together the best of our arts and culture digital offerings on an integrated platform.

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Roll-out of the Arts and Culture Resilience Package to sustain livelihoods and develop capabilities during COVID-19.

2019

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Reopening of Stamford Arts Centre with a focus on traditional arts.

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Launch of Arts Resource Hub website and co-working spaces for freelancers.

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Signing of three-year MOUs with Australia Council for the Arts; Arts Council Korea; and Creative New Zealand.

2018

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Launch of Our SG Arts Plan (2018 – 2022), mapping the strategic priorities for arts and culture in Singapore.

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Signing of a three-year MOU with the China National Arts Fund.

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Received the Singapore Quality Class with People Excellence Award.

2017

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Launch of industry-led #BuySingLit movement supported by NAC to advocate for Singapore’s literature.

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Launch of Hear65, a national movement in collaboration with independent music media company Bandwagon, to promote all forms of Singaporean music. 

2016

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Inaugural collaboration between NAC, British Council and Singapore International Foundation for the 2nd edition of Arts and Disability Forum to foster greater social inclusiveness through the arts.

2015

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Launch of Got to Move, a nationwide movement to celebrate the diversity of dance in Singapore.

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Signing of a two-year MOU with British Council (renewed in 2017; additional three-year agreement signed in 2019).  

2014

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Launch of The A List as a one-stop guide to Singapore’s arts and culture events.

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Launch of WeCare Arts fund with People’s Association to support voluntary welfare organisations.

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Formation of Arts House Limited as a public company under NAC.

2013

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Launch of a series of arts education initiatives in partnership with Early Childhood Development Agency.

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Launch of Singapore Art Week, the pinnacle visual arts festival.

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Set up of Cultural Matching Fund by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth.

2012

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Launch of Arts and Culture Nodes network to bring arts to the community.

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Release of the Arts and Culture Strategic Review report to guide the sector till 2025.

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Gillman Barracks opened as an art destination (managed by Singapore Land Authority from 2021).

2011

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Singapore Writers Festival goes annual (launched in 1986 as a biennial festival).

2010

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Launch of the Framework for Arts Spaces after extensive consultations with stakeholders, with Goodman Arts Centre as its pilot project.

2009

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Invited to present Singapore Showcase comprising prominent performing and literary arts talents at the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh International Book Festival and other fringe festival platforms.

2008

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Release of the Renaissance City 3.0 (RCP III), a continuation from the Renaissance City Plan 2.0.

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Launch of Keppel Nights, an initiative by Keppel Corporation and NAC to increase access to the arts for new audiences through subsidised ticketing.

2007

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Inaugural Singapore Pavilion at the Frankfurt Book Fair to present Singapore literature.

2006

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Launch of the inaugural biennial contemporary visual arts exhibition, the Singapore Biennale, featuring artworks from international and Singapore artists and art collectives across multiple venues in Singapore.

2005

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Inauguration of the Singapore Art Show, a national platform for Singapore visual artists to showcase their latest artworks.

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Launch of Noise Singapore, a youth programme mainly for visual arts, music showcases and mentorships (last edition: 2019).

2004

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Release of the Renaissance City 2.0 (RCP II), a continuation of the Renaissance City Plan 1.0.

2003

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Launch of the biennial National Arts Education Award (last award: 2016) for Ministry of Education schools to advocate for robust and holistic arts education for all students.

2002

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Awarded the People Developer Award.

2001

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Official opening of DBS Arts Centre (now known as KC Arts Centre) - home of the Singapore Repertory Theatre.

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Singapore’s first participation at the International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia (Venice Biennale). 

2000

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Release of the first Renaissance City Report, articulating a vision of Singapore as a world-class city supported by a vibrant cultural scene.

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Boost in funding through the Major Grant and the Annual Grant (now known as Major Company Scheme).

1999

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Launch of the annual Singapore Arts Festival following the merger of the biennial Singapore Festival of Arts and Festival of Asian Performing Arts (rebranded in 2014 and now known as Singapore International Festival of Arts).

1998

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Launch of National Indian Music Competition (last edition: 2020) and National Chinese Music Competition (now known as Singapore Chinese Music Competition, organised by Singapore Chinese Orchestra), to develop young musicians and identify new talents.

1997

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Introduction of the Busking Scheme to enliven city life and energise urban spaces.

1996

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Launch of the NAC-ExxonMobil Concert in the Park series, which offers free outdoor performances in public parks.

1995

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Launch of the Georgette Chen Arts Scholarship for diploma courses at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts or LASALLE-SIA College of the Arts (now known as LASALLE College of the Arts).

1994

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Launch of the Shell-NAC Arts Scholarship (now known as NAC Arts Scholarship) for overseas tertiary studies in the arts and Chen Chong Swee Art Scholarship for overseas postgraduate studies or research programmes in visual arts.

1993

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Launch of the Arts Education Programme in schools to promote arts appreciation among the young.

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Launch of the inaugural Festival of Asian Performing Arts, a biennial festival which focuses on Asian art forms and artists.

1992

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Institution of the Young Artist Award as Singapore’s highest award for young arts practitioners (aged 35 and below) whose artistic achievements and commitment have distinguished them from their peers.

1991

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Formation of the National Arts Council (NAC) on 15 October - an amalgamation of the Singapore Cultural Foundation, Cultural Division of Ministry of Community Development, Festival of Arts Secretariat and the National Theatre Trust.