Artist Funding in Singapore

Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay is a national performing arts centre that also runs curated visual arts programmes and exhibitions in its public spaces. While it does not function as an open grant‑giving body, it regularly commissions and presents visual artworks and installations, providing production support, fees and exposure for Singapore‑based and regional artists.

The Cultural Matching Fund provides dollar‑for‑dollar matching for private cash donations to eligible arts and heritage charities and Institutions of Public Character, including many visual arts organisations. While it does not fund artists directly, it effectively doubles the value of philanthropic support that organisations can then use for programmes, exhibitions, commissions and capacity building.

The National Arts Council is the primary public funding body for the arts, including visual arts, in Singapore. It offers a range of grants for individual artists and organisations, such as creation, presentation and promotion, capability development and major company schemes, typically from a few thousand dollars for small projects up to multi‑year organisational funding. Most schemes are open to Singapore citizens and permanent residents, with some limited avenues for foreign artists collaborating with local partners.

The National Heritage Board runs various grant schemes to support community engagement, heritage projects and related arts initiatives, some of which involve visual art, public art and design. These grants typically support organisations and community groups to develop exhibitions, programmes and heritage‑related artworks, and may indirectly support visual artists through commissions and project fees.

OurSG Grants is a central online portal that aggregates government grants across arts, community, heritage, social good, sports and youth. Visual artists and organisations use it to discover and apply for schemes from NAC, NHB, MCCY and other agencies, covering project funding, capability development and community‑based arts initiatives.

The Singapore Art Museum operates the SAM ART SG Fund, which allocates S$150,000 annually (for an initial three‑year period from 2025) to acquire artworks by leading and emerging artists at the ART SG art fair. While this is an acquisition rather than a grant programme, it provides direct financial support and institutional recognition for visual artists whose works are selected.

The Singapore International Foundation’s Singapore Internationale and Arts for Good grants support the presentation of Singapore creative works overseas and arts‑based projects that connect Singapore with global communities. Visual artists can receive support for international exhibitions, collaborations and socially engaged projects that promote understanding of Singapore’s culture and create positive social impact, but applicants must generally be Singapore citizens or permanent residents.

The Tourism Development Assistance Scheme supports companies to develop innovative tourism products and experiences that enhance Singapore’s appeal, including world‑class events and attractions. Visual artists may benefit when collaborating with eligible companies or venues on major installations, festivals or public art experiences designed for visitors.

The Tourism Technology Fund supports technology innovation and adoption in tourism, including projects that enhance visitor experiences through digital or immersive media. Visual and media artists can collaborate with tourism partners on interactive installations, digital art and experience design, with funding support for development and implementation.

Tote Board is a major philanthropic funder that channels gaming surpluses into grants for community, arts and social development projects in Singapore. Through its arts and culture funding, it supports institutions and large‑scale initiatives that may involve visual arts infrastructure, festivals and education programmes, indirectly creating paid opportunities for artists.

URA’s Architecture and Urban Design Promotion Programme supports private organisations and individuals carrying out outreach activities in architecture and urban design. While not art‑specific, it can support visual and public art projects, exhibitions and educational programmes that engage the public in the built environment and city‑making topics.