SG Culture Pass gives $100 Credits to each citizen for arts and cultural events

Singapore has rolled out a nationwide initiative to encourage greater engagement with the arts and heritage. From 1 September 2025, all Singapore Citizens aged 18 and above will receive $100 in credits under the newly launched SG Culture Pass, which can be used to offset ticket purchases for eligible local arts and heritage events.

The credits, tied to Singpass, can be applied to a wide variety of programmes. These include craft workshops such as calligraphy and pottery; events and experiences like incense appreciation or shows; heritage walks through historic districts; museum passes; and arts festivals such as the Sing60! Music Festival and the Singapore Writers Festival. Managed through authorised ticketing partners, the initiative is designed to make it easier for Singaporeans to discover, engage with, and enjoy cultural experiences.

The launch of the Culture Pass coincides with Singapore’s 60th anniversary, underscoring the government’s recognition of the arts as a vital part of national identity. A 2023 National Arts Council (NAC) report noted that arts and culture contribute to Singapore’s identity, foster belonging, and draw communities closer — themes that resonate strongly in this milestone year. Correspondingly, a total of $300 million was set aside in the national budget to launch this programme.

By gathering all eligible programmes on a single platform, the Culture Pass not only spotlights the richness of Singapore’s creative landscape but also acts as a discovery tool, giving visibility to smaller or niche events that might otherwise be overlooked. The credits likely aim to spark curiosity among Singaporeans who are not regular arts-goers, nurturing deeper connections with the country’s heritage and cultural fabric.

Beyond sentiment, the scheme also carries a pragmatic dimension: stimulating spending in the arts economy while generating insights into whether barriers to participation stem from costs or simply lack of awareness.

In the event that finances are the largest barrier to the arts, however, the Culture Pass does not necessarily address this issue. After all, the credits are a one-off allocation, and do not guarantee sustained engagement, especially as Singaporeans cut down spending more and more as inflation rises. While $100 is a welcome stimulant and incentive to audiences, it does little to address broader affordability issues in the arts, for both audiences and artists alike.

Still, the SG Culture Pass represents a shift in how Singapore positions its arts and cultural sector, as it attempts to integrate it into the regular life of its citizens. Whether the programme succeeds in building lasting engagement remains to be seen, but its launch has placed the arts firmly in the spotlight at a moment of national reflection.