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Supporting Artistic Diversity and Engagement in Singapore

Deadline: 15-Apr-2026

The National Arts Council (NAC) Presentation and Participation (P&P) Grant is Singapore’s primary funding scheme for arts practitioners and organizations. It provides financial subsidies up to 70% of project costs (capped between $50,000 and $100,000) to support performances, exhibitions, and digital arts that enhance Singapore’s artistic diversity and public engagement.

The Presentation and Participation Grant is a cornerstone of Singapore’s cultural policy. It facilitates the creation and showcase of diverse artistic works, ensuring that both traditional and digital art forms can thrive while remaining accessible to the public.

Why It Matters: Cultivating a Vibrant Arts Ecosystem

This grant acts as a strategic engine for the local arts scene by:

  • Enriching Diversity: Supporting niche or experimental art forms that may lack commercial viability.

  • Encouraging Public Engagement: Prioritizing projects that involve the community directly, rather than just passive audiences.

  • Supporting Sustainable Development: Providing a bridge for for-profit and non-profit entities to achieve long-term financial independence.

  • Promoting Digital Innovation: Funding hybrid and digital formats to keep the Singaporean arts scene technologically relevant.

Key Concepts and Definitions

  • Presentation: The public exhibition or performance of an artwork (e.g., a play, a concert, or a gallery opening).

  • Participation: Activities where the public is actively involved in the artistic process (e.g., community workshops or interactive installations).

  • Financial Year (FY): The NAC budget cycle running from April 1 to March 31 of the following year.

  • Artistic Merit: The technical skill, originality, and impact of a project, which serves as a primary evaluation criterion.

  • Realistic Budget: A detailed financial plan where costs align with market rates and the project’s scope.

Who is Eligible?

The grant is inclusive, supporting individuals, collectives, and registered companies.

Eligible Applicants:

  • Individuals: Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents (PR) residing in Singapore.

  • Non-Profit Organizations: Registered charities, societies, or non-profit companies.

  • For-Profit Organizations: ACRA-registered businesses where the core activity is arts-related.

  • Collectives: Informal groups (must nominate one lead Singaporean/PR member for financial responsibility).

Eligible Project Formats:

  • Performing & Visual Arts: Music concerts, theater plays, dance shows, and art exhibitions.

  • Literary Arts: Publishing projects for books, including digital and print formats.

  • Music Media: Production of Extended Plays (EPs) and full-length albums.

  • Platforms: Arts-focused festivals, conferences, and symposiums.

Funding Caps and Support Levels

Funding is distributed based on the applicant type and project category:

  • Standard Projects (Exhibitions, Festivals, Performances):

    • Individuals & Non-Profits: Up to 70% of the budget, capped at $50,000 per financial year.

    • For-Profit Organizations: Up to 50% of the budget, capped at $50,000 per financial year.

  • Publishing Projects:

    • All Applicants: Up to 50% of the budget, with a higher cap of $100,000 per financial year.

  • Music EPs and Albums:

    • First-time Applicants: Once-off funding of up to $10,000.

    • Experienced Applicants: Up to 50% support (30% for for-profits), capped at $50,000 per financial year.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

  1. Check Application Windows: There are multiple cycles per year. For 2026, the first major deadline is December 15, 2025 (for projects starting on or after April 15, 2026).

  2. Verify Project Start Date: The project must not commence before the application is submitted.

  3. Prepare Proposal: Outline your artistic vision, target audience, and community engagement plan.

  4. Create a Budget: Use the official NAC budget template to list projected income and expenses.

  5. Gather Support Materials: This includes CVs of the artistic team, manuscripts (for publishing), or demo tracks (for music).

  6. Submit via OurSG Grants Portal: All applications are processed digitally through the OurSG Grants Portal.

Common Mistakes and Tips

  • Retroactive Funding: NAC does not fund projects that have already started. Ensure your application is submitted at least 4-5 months before your launch.

  • Incomplete Documentation: Applications missing manuscripts, demo tracks, or budget breakdowns are often rejected.

  • Vague Engagement Plans: Simply “selling tickets” is not enough. Describe how you will reach and interact with specific audience segments.

  • Tip for For-Profits: Your project must show “significant developmental benefits” for Singaporean artists to be competitive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can a foreigner apply for the P&P Grant? Individual applicants must be Singapore Citizens or PRs. However, organizations can involve foreigners as long as at least half the artistic team is Singaporean/PR.

2. Is there a limit to how many projects I can fund in a year? Yes. The funding cap ($50,000 or $100,000) is the total limit per applicant per financial year, regardless of the number of projects.

3. What is the “OurSG Grants Portal”? It is the centralized government website where all community and arts-related grant applications in Singapore are managed.

4. Does the grant cover travel for international tours? No. The P&P Grant is for local presentation. International activities are covered under the Market and Audience Development (MAD) Grant.

5. Are digital arts projects supported? Yes. Digital presentations and hybrid (physical-digital) formats are fully eligible.

6. Do I need an auditor? For grants of $10,000 and above, you must submit a Statement of Accounts certified by an ISCA-registered accountant upon project completion.

7. Can I apply for the same project multiple times? NAC prioritizes new proposals. Recurring projects are less likely to receive full support unless they show significant new development.

Conclusion

The NAC Presentation and Participation Grant is an essential resource for bringing high-quality art to the Singaporean public. By balancing artistic merit with community engagement, it ensures that the arts remains a sustainable and diverse pillar of society. Successful applicants are those who can demonstrate not only creative excellence but also clear financial planning and a commitment to local audience growth.

For more information, visit National Arts Council.