Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

acceptedVersion

Publication Date

6-2012

Abstract

This paper chronicles some of the key policies pertaining to the arts and culture in post-independent Singapore. A brief summary is first provided of the early (1960s and 1970s) cultural policy focusing on the harnessing of arts and culture for nation-building purposes, followed by the subsequent (1980s) recognition that the arts and culture had tourist dollar potential. The paper then expands on the cultural/creative economy policy of the 2000s, in which arts, heritage, media and design are recognized for their economic value (beyond their role in tourism to include their export value and their importance in attracting global workers). The paper then turns to the most recent policy attention paid to the social value of the arts and culture. The more broadly 'cultural social policy' direction emphasizes the value and integral place of the arts and culture in everyday lives. This is in part in recognition of the fact that for Singapore to be a truly global city, there must be a lively arts and culture scene and high levels of participation by residents. Finally, the promises and challenges that Singapore faces in its efforts to realize its ambitions as a global (cultural) city are discussed.

Keywords

Creative economy, Cultural policy, Singapore

Discipline

Asian Studies | Sociology of Culture | Urban Studies

Research Areas

Humanities

Publication

International Journal of Cultural Policy

Volume

18

Issue

3

First Page

279

Last Page

294

ISSN

1028-6632

Identifier

10.1080/10286632.2011.639876

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1080/10286632.2011.639876

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