ARTS AND CULTURE STRATEGIC REVIEW STEERING COMMITTEE TO CHART SINGAPORE’S NEXT PHASE OF CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT



ARTS AND CULTURE STRATEGIC REVIEW STEERING COMMITTEE TO CHART SINGAPORE’S NEXT PHASE OF CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
 
The Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (MICA) announced today the formation of the Arts and Culture Strategic Review (ACSR) Steering Committee. The ACSR Steering Committee, which comprises representatives from the people, private and public sectors, will kick off its review on 6 September 2010.   
The Next Quantum Leap in Cultural Development
2          The ACSR was first announced by Ag Minister (ICA), Mr Lui Tuck Yew, at the Committee of Supply Debate on Arts & Culture in March 2010. Ag Minister Lui shared that the review would plan for Singapore’s next quantum leap in cultural development up to 2025, by identifying concrete strategies to mould distinctive peaks of excellence that would differentiate and distinguish Singapore as a global city. The review would also chart comprehensive talent development pathways that could nurture the creative capacity of people at all levels, from casual practitioners to star talents. 
3          One of the outcomes for this review is to make arts and culture an integral part of life for Singaporeans. It aims for twice as many Singaporeans – from 40% to 80% – to attend and benefit from at least one arts and cultural event a year by 2025. 
4          The review also seeks to encourage Singaporeans’ active engagement in arts and cultural activities, up from the current 20% to 50% by 2025. This could include learning or taking up an arts activity in their personal time, or volunteering for the arts. 
Private and People Sectors to Take the Lead
5          The Steering Committee will be chaired by Mr Lee Tzu Yang, Chairman, School of the Arts (SOTA). Its 19-member strong team has been carefully selected to give the private and people sectors a larger stake in shaping our cultural development, and to promote greater ownership and self-sustainability of the arts and culture sector. (See Annex A for a list of members.)
6          The Steering Committee will formulate groundbreaking recommendations that harness arts and culture to transform Singapore into Asia’s most liveable city, maximise the creative capacity of our people, and strengthen our social fabric. 
Comprehensive ‘4P’ Strategy
7          The Steering Committee will examine four key areas underpinning our arts and cultural development strategy. They are:
a. Product: Peaks of excellence in cultural institutions and products;
b. People: A broad base of appreciative participants and casual practitioners supporting a creative workforce, as well as competent artists, arts professionals and star talent;
c. Participation and Partnership: A gracious, cohesive and creative society that takes ownership of its arts and culture; and
d. Place: Authentic, accessible and memorable destinations. 
8          Four Working Committees, co-chaired by Steering Committee members, will be set up to look into these areas. (See Annex B for a list of the co-chairs, and Annex C for brief descriptions of the four focus areas).
9          Mr Lee Tzu Yang, Chairman of the ACSR Steering Committee, said: “The ACSR is an opportunity to take stock of our cultural strategies to revitalise our cultural hardware, software and heartware. We seek paths that authentically reflect our identity as a nation, and embrace the tension between the traditional and the experimental. In addition, we will adopt a more inclusive approach to arts and culture, through appreciation of aesthetics and shared experiences in both private and community activities.”
10        The Steering Committee will release its recommendations in mid-2011. 
 
For media queries, please contact:
Dawn Chia
Corporate Communications Division
Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts
Tel:      6837-9267
Email: dawn_chia@mica.gov.sg



Attachment:

acsr press release (annexes a to c).pdf