Appendix 6 - International Music Council

• Cite examples of the use of music to assist in non-music economic development.
RESPONSE: The Singapore Tourism Board uses musical activity as part of their efforts to
develop tourism. Some cultural groups such as the local Malay cultural troupe, Sri Warisan,
have performed at various
events which promote tourism, such as the World Expo in Japan.
For many arts and cultural organisations in Singapore, there is always the option to do
performances which contribute to the tourism industry, but also for most groups, there is
the fear that this may affect their artistic integrity and so they do not actively participate.
• Cite examples of government or agency action to develop aspects of the music
industry or the music industry as a whole
RESPONSE: The Singapore Government funds the 2 national orchestras, The Singapore
Symphony and Singapore Chinese Orchestra. A capital sum was given to each orchestra as
an endowment to generate income.
There are also various tax incentives and seed funding for new companies and this
encompasses companies engaged in the music business such as recording companies and
entertainment companies.
MTV Asia for example, has chosen Singapore to be its
operations base.
The National Arts Council of Singapore also provides grants for non-profit music
organisations embarking on recording, publishing or performance projects. The arts council
also provides training grants and scholarships for those seeking higher education in the
field of music.
Under the Ministry of Information Communication and the Arts, there is the Creative
Community Singapore fund, which is an attempt to encourage arts companies to develop
viable businesses.
• Cite examples of the use of music to alleviate poverty or the
conditions
contributing
to poverty.
RESPONSE: Singapore has an interesting approach to busking on the streets by musicians,
where the proceeds have to go to charity. Some of these musicians are charity cases
themselves, and there is some flexibility where they are allowed to pay themselves and then
give
the excess to charity (if there is any excess).
Many charities in Singapore also organise TV variety shows where all kinds of music is
performed as a way of raising funds for the selected charity.
There are also various philanthropic foundations which would sponsor musicians and other
artists for further education or for projects.
22. The links between musical diversity and the promotion of peace
• Cite examples of the use of musical diversity to promote peace.
RESPONSE:
In Singapore schools, there is a component called National Education which
is meant to inculcate in students national pride and unity. Annual activities to promote
peace and harmony among the different ethnic communities in Singapore include
performances
of music from the many communities in Singapore.
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