SINGAPORE – Arts patrons donated $50.2 million to the arts in 2023, the highest contribution since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
This was revealed at the Patron of the Arts Awards, organised by the National Arts Council, held at Pan Pacific Orchard on Aug 20.
Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law Edwin Tong was the guest of honour at the ceremony where 506 patrons – the largest number of recipients since the award’s inception in 1983 – were recognised for their contributions.
The figure indicates a steady post-pandemic recovery over the previous two years – $32.1 million was donated in 2021 and $45 million in 2022 – and inches ahead of the 2019 figure of $50.1 million.
It remains lower, however, than the record $136 million donated in 2015 – a windfall year boosted by SG50 – and $64.7 million in 2016.
Cash donations accounted for $34.8 million of the figure, significantly higher than the past three years’ figures, which hovered at around $25 million.
In-kind contributions amounted to $15.1 million and included the donation of artworks and technological expertise, as well as partnerships in fields such as food and accommodation.
Mr Lionel Choi, managing director, head of wealth planning at LGT Private Banking, is a first-time recipient of the Distinguished Patron of the Arts award for his cash donation to Orchestra of the Music Makers (OMM), a Singapore-based symphony orchestra established in 2008.
The award is given to individual patrons who contributed $100,000 and above.
Mr Choi, who is also the founder of Altenburg Arts – an independent presenter of classical music concerts – tells The Straits Times why he donated cash: “Funding in the arts is still a major issue and, relative to other things, grossly underestimated here. And if I, as a lover and supporter of the arts, do not contribute to support and grow it when there is an opportunity to, who will?”
He donated to OMM as the group was the first to respond to Altenburg Arts’ call for arts groups to band together during the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2021, the two groups co-presented the debut Singapore recital of prize-winning pianist Kate Liu despite tight social distancing requirements.
On why Singaporeans should donate and support the Singapore arts scene, he says: “A full and complete ecosystem in a world-class city cannot be just about airports, highways, skyscrapers, technology, finance and business. Cultural life and an arts scene are equally important, not mere good-to-haves.”
Long-time arts patron UOB was one of three organisations who received the Distinguished Patron of the Arts award – given to organisations who contributed $1.5 million and above – with its $5.6 million contribution.
UOB’s contributions include donations to institutions such as the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (Nafa) and the renewal of its five-year partnership with the National Gallery Singapore for its UOB Southeast Asia Gallery.
Ms Christine Ip, head of group strategic communications and brand at UOB, said the bank was “extremely honoured” to be given the award for the 26th time. “We will continue to support the art community through programmes like our flagship UOB Painting of the Year. We strongly believe that art can help uplift spirits and connect communities, and we remain committed to contributing to the arts scene locally and regionally.”
Mr Tong said: “This culture of giving is essential in building a sustainable arts ecosystem – one that nurtures creativity, strengthens community bonds and ensures the arts continue to thrive for future generations.”
