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2014 in review: Controversy strikes the arts and entertainment

SINGAPORE — The arts and entertainment scene had its fair share of controversy this year.

SINGAPORE — The arts and entertainment scene had its fair share of controversy this year.

‘PENGUINGATE’. Who knew a children’s book about an unusual penguin family could spark a nationwide debate? The National Library Board’s decision to “pulp” And Tango Makes Three, among others, because of complaints elicited an outcry from local writers and the public. The books were eventually reinstated.

NO POETRY PRIZE FOR WOMEN. Poet Grace Chia alleged gender bias over the results of this year’s Singapore Literature Prize’s English poetry category, after the award was jointly given to two male poets, Joshua Ip and Yong Shu Hoong.

ARTS TERM LICENSING. Led by Arts Engage, 45 arts groups came together to sign a position paper rejecting the Media Development Authority’s new Arts Term Licensing Scheme. A video was also made in protest. The latter eventually said it would not implement the scheme’s pilot run.

SPRING WAVE’S RAINBOW BAN. Taiwanese superstar A-mei was asked to “refrain” from performing her song Rainbow apparently because of its homosexual connotations. The Media Development Authority explained that it was because Spring Wave was an outdoor event and accessible to the public.

LEE WEN’S MYSTERIOUS BRUISES. During Art Basel Hong Kong, the visual artist was hospitalised for injuries after he was found unconscious in a restroom following a public lecture. Theories abound: He was beaten up after critical comments against the Chinese government or he fainted and fell. Lee said he could not remember what had happened.

VERTICAL SUBMARINE’S CAT FLYERS. The artist collective caused a brief stir after animal welfare groups and online readers took offence at its flyers urging people to “kill stray cats” at the Singapore Night Festival. It was later clarified that the move was part of a satirical performance exhibition on evil acts — commissioned by the Singapore Kindness Movement.

TO SINGAPORE WITH LOVE. Film-maker Tan Pin Pin’s documentary about political exiles was classified as Not Allowed for All Ratings, with a subsequent appeal also turned down. Singaporeans had to go to Johor Baru to catch the film.

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