VWOs can now apply for grants to promote arts among beneficiaries

SINGAPORE — Voluntary welfare organisations here, which number more than 400, can begin to apply for grants for arts programmes such as workshops to serve their beneficiaries, at up to S$5,000 for each programme and a maximum of S$10,000 in funding per year.

The fund will be disbursed over three years and is a new scheme supported under ArtReach, an initiative by the National Arts Council (NAC) that promotes access to the arts for beneficiaries of the social service sector.

During the Committee of Supply debate in March, the Ministry of Community, Culture and Youth (MCCY) announced that it would set aside a S$1.5 million fund for artist-led projects to engage underserved communities.

The NAC and the five Community Development Councils (CDCs) that partnered with it to initiate the fund will help the VWOs find suitable artists for their programmes.

“We want to make (the) arts an integral part of the core services provided by VWOs. It can be for rehabilitation or programmes for young people, the disabled community (and) people with special needs,” said Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong, who launched the fund yesterday at the Thye Hua Kwan (THK) Seniors Activity Centre.

The NAC estimates about 300 arts programmes will be created with the help of the fund. The programmes are expected to run the gamut of art forms such as dance, music and literary arts, and could potentially help at least 2,500 beneficiaries.

Applications have to be submitted along with project proposals developed with the VWOs’ artists and will be assessed by NAC officers and the VWOs’ respective CDC.

Ms Low Yen Ling, mayor-designate of South West District, said at least four VWOs from her CDC, including THK Seniors Activity Centre, have expressed interest in applying for the grant. “They will tap on funds to create arts programmes as part of intervention programmes to promote health and wellness, integration and rehabilitation for their beneficiaries,” she added.

THK Moral Society CEO Dr Lee Ngak Siang said: “The fund gives an opportunity for our seniors and other residents to work with artists, who will impart their knowledge and skills.”

“(The) arts can help their motor skills and thinking, and get them to spend time and bond,” he added.