Role of arts in Singapore

The arts play a very small role in Singapore, which is the role of providing entertainment. These forms of arts come in the form of digital arts, which is mainly due to lack of time in an average Singaporean’s daily life.
In Singapore, there is too much emphasis on personal achievements, such as one’s influence, power and status, which also determines one’s success. Arts is thus viewed as unimportant, only a form of leisure. As mentioned in the article, arts is considered as a form of leisure only enjoyed by the rich, or if one has time to spare. The fast pace of life leaves little time to spare. Even if one has time to spare, it is often used for other forms of leisure, which one enjoys the most, such as sports.
However, the government has indeed put in much effort to raise the status of arts in Singapore. The Singapore Esplanade, officially opened in 2002, cost S$600 million to build. This huge budget clearly shows the effort that the government has put into trying to promote arts. The Esplanade was built to host arts events, with numerous facilities and artistic exhibitions to promote arts among Singaporeans. Numerous events have also been held to promote arts among the Singaporeans, such as the Singapore Arts Festival which spans over a period of one month annually. Artistes from over 20 countries are invited to this prestigious event. This demonstrates how the arts are rapidly gaining recognition in Singapore.
Also, the government has begun to incorporate arts into schools. Arts performances are largely advertised among the students, and subsidies offered to the students. In junior colleges, science students also have to undertake at least one arts subject to promote appreciation of the arts among the students.
In conclusion, even though the current generation of Singaporeans regard little for arts, the efforts of the government have led to the new generation having a greater appreciation of arts, and thus, arts is likely to have a much more important role to play in the future.