Record number of patrons recognised at arts awards as individual giving rises

The National Arts Council (NAC) recognised 515 patrons at this year’s Patron of the Arts Awards (POAA), the highest number in the past five years.

Held at the Pan Pacific Singapore and officiated by Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo, who is also Senior Minister of State for Education, this year’s awards also showed a marked increase in individual contributions. Individual patrons made up 80 per cent of awardees, with about a quarter of them contributing for the first time.

This suggests not only a rise in personal philanthropic participation but also a deeper appreciation of the arts for its intrinsic value, beyond returns.

“Over the past sixty years, our artists and arts groups have made many invaluable contributions to our nation building journey,” said Neo. “This would not have been possible without the steadfast support of our patrons, whose generosity — through financial donations and in-kind contributions — has been critical to the long-term growth of our arts ecosystem. With your continued partnership, alongside the Government’s support, we can nurture a distinct and vibrant arts scene that every Singaporean can be proud of.”

Individual awards

Total contributions this year amounted to $45.74 million, comprising $28 million in cash and $17 million in-kind support. The latter contributions included artworks, education initiatives, mentorship, professional services, and access to venues. Corporate giving accounted for 68 per cent of the total, while individuals contributed 32 per cent.

Among individual recipients, Dean Augustine was recognised as a Friend of the Arts (for contributions between $10,000 and $49,999) for providing marketing and PR sponsorships for the Singapore Street Festival 2024, an event for young people to showcase their talents, skills and capabilities concerts featuring video game music.

Another notable recipient was Eric Cabri van Amelrode Beng Kwee K Lim, who was named a Distinguished Patron of the Arts (for contributions above $100,000) after donating three works by Cultural Medallion recipients Chua Ek Kay and Chng Seok Tin to the National Gallery Singapore, ensuring these significant pieces remain accessible to future generations.Gallery Singapore.

Corporate giving

Corporate contributions reflected a growing emphasis on social impact. Distinguished Patron of the Arts awardee UOL-PPHG (contributions above $1.5 million) supported Artability, Rainbow Centre’s visual arts programme for youths with disabilities, alongside exhibitions featuring differently abled artists.

Orchard Turn Developments Pte Ltd, named a Patron of the Arts (for contributions between $300,000 and $1.49 million), supported an exhibition featuring works by seniors from Lion Befrienders Active Ageing Centres and workshops aimed at fostering digital literacy and self-expression among the elderly.

CapitaLand Retail Management, awarded Friend of the Arts (for contributions between $50,000 and $299,999), hosted arts activations across four malls, expanding access to the arts while providing high-traffic spaces for arts groups to showcase their work.

“Giving to the arts is a powerful way to strengthen our society and shape Singapore’s cultural identity. When we give to the arts, we are also investing in the future of our local arts.” said Low Eng Teong, NAC Chief Executive Officer. “It is encouraging to see more individuals and companies giving in diverse and meaningful ways. This collective support opens doors for more Singaporeans to create and connect through the arts.”

The POAA forms part of NAC’s wider effort to cultivate both patronage and public participation in the arts. Alongside recognising philanthropy, initiatives such as the SG Culture Pass — which provides $100 in credits for every Singaporean turning 18 to spend on local arts and heritage programmes — aim to foster a sustainable arts ecosystem by nurturing audiences as well as donors.