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Literary community can seek other ways of funding

Nothing escapes money, and financial grants make writing possible for those who wish to have their works published. But conditions are laid down from the outset, so all parties know what is at stake and should abide by the terms.

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Lee Teck Chuan

Nothing escapes money, and financial grants make writing possible for those who wish to have their works published. But conditions are laid down from the outset, so all parties know what is at stake and should abide by the terms.

The creative process evolves, however, and the product may not turn out as planned. In such instances, the recipient must be gracious enough to respect the fact, and perhaps make restitution.

He still walks away with the prestige of having been awarded the seed money to get started. He would reap the fulfilment of the creative process (Award-winning illustrator Sonny Liew returns S$19,000 NAC grant for new book; Sept 15, online).

The creative industry is not exempt from market forces. Sponsors and producers often negotiate the terms of their exchanges. But the intangible nature of the arts leaves leeway for interpretation.

Much depends on the parties’ bargaining power. Sponsors have a right to guard their interests, and writers can do the same if they insist on being true to their work.

It is idealistic to imagine that all writers would have the means to hone their craft. Our limited domestic market makes it difficult to do so.

In this regard, I suggest that the literary community should help itself by pooling funds through crowdfunding, seeking angel investors or even coming up with its own awards and deciding who should receive them.

With no strings attached, they would be less beholden and thus take greater control of their creations.

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