Deadline: 15-Aug-2025
The Capability Development Grant (CD Grant) supports the continuous professional development of individuals working in Singapore’s arts and culture sector. The grant encourages individuals and organisations to upgrade their skills and build new capabilities to meet the evolving needs of the industry.
Priority is given to training programmes that align with the SG Arts Plan (2023–2027). These include digital technology for art-making, audience engagement, and business development such as digital marketing and data analytics. Other focus areas include arts facilitation, teaching artistry, community work, arts management, fundraising, marketing, governance, and legal knowledge related to intellectual property. Support is also extended to traditional art forms, curation, literary work, stage management, and arts documentation.
Supported programmes must be relevant to the applicant’s work and role in their organisation. Eligible courses must be at least 3 hours in duration and can include online learning. The grant supports various types of activities including workshops, masterclasses, seminars, certified courses, residencies, competitions, structured mentorships, and on-the-job training like attachments, internships, and apprenticeships.
Funding caps are set at $20,000 per financial year for individuals, and $75,000 for organisations, including non-profits, collectives, and for-profit entities.
Some activities are not eligible for support. These include initiatives that don’t benefit practising artists, those held at religious venues or promoting religious causes, MOE-subsidised tertiary education, full-time degrees, school curriculum projects, and any activities already supported by other NAC grants or government agencies. Also excluded are activities that have already started or taken place.
Applicants must be Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents actively contributing to the local arts scene. Priority is given to Self-Employed Persons (SEPs) residing in Singapore. Organisations must be legally registered entities, or informal groups made up mostly of Singapore Citizens or PRs, with a representative responsible for legal and financial matters.
Ineligible applicants include organisations with religious purposes, those with outstanding NAC obligations or debts, and institutions receiving operating grants from the Government (except NAC’s Major Company Scheme). Companies receiving organisational funding from MCCY or NAC, and employees whose training is required by their companies, are also ineligible unless the employer applies on their behalf.
Applications are assessed on three criteria: ability to meet an industry gap, the quality and relevance of the programme, and the applicant’s track record and potential. The programme should address a specific capability need in the arts sector and show how it benefits the broader industry. Proposals should be relevant, well-planned, and feasible in terms of budget and execution. Applicants should also show a strong commitment to the arts and potential for continued contribution.
For more information, visit National Arts Council.
