Philanthropists lauded in annual Patron Of The Arts Awards

SINGAPORE — About 344 corporations and individuals were recognised for their philanthropic efforts towards the Singapore arts scene at the annual Patron of the Arts Awards last night.

Organised by the National Arts Council (NAC), the event was held at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre, with Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, Mr Lawrence Wong, handing out the awards.

A total of S$32.2 million was donated by various private entities to the arts sector last year. It was a slight drop from the S$35.3 million donated in 2012, due to a reduction in in-kind donations, while cash donations remained steady, with S$25 million last year and S$25.3 million in 2012.

The award recipients comprised 254 private organisations and 91 individuals, and a third of them were first-time contributors.

“I am heartened that the arts philanthropy ecosystem has grown to include like-minded individuals, as well as public and private sector organisations that appreciate the value of the arts,” said Ms Kathy Lai, NAC’s chief executive. “With arts philanthropic initiatives that include the Cultural Matching Fund, a dollar-for-dollar matching grant for donations towards arts and heritage organisations, we hope to build and strengthen a sense of shared ownership of our vibrant cultural scene.”

Mr Wong lauded the positive response to the Matching Fund scheme, which now totals more than S$10 million and has received 30 applications to date.

Meanwhile, Marina Bay Sands also announced a S$750,000 pledge for the NAC’s new Public Art Trust fund to develop more public art.

Established in 1983, the Patron of the Arts Awards is currently divided into five categories, ranging from the Distinguished Patron of the Arts (for contributions of S$1.5 million and above in a year or within five years from 2007 onwards) to the Arts Supporter (for contributions between S$10,000 to S$49,999).