The National Arts Council (NAC) celebrated a landmark year for arts patronage at the 2024 Patron of the Arts Awards (POAA), recognizing a record 506 patrons for their significant contributions to Singapore’s arts scene. This year’s ceremony, held at the Pan Pacific Orchard Hotel, marked the highest number of patrons honored since the awards began in 1983.
In 2023, contributions to the arts soared to $50.2 million, the highest amount recorded in the past three years. This impressive figure represents a 56% increase from the $32.1 million in 2022, with cash donations alone rising by 36% to reach $34.8 million.
Long-time supporter UOB was once again honored as a Distinguished Patron of the Arts (Corporate), recognized for their remarkable $5.6 million contribution. This accolade not only highlights UOB’s sustained commitment but also follows their receipt of the inaugural Honorary Patron of the Arts Award last year. UOB continues to support key initiatives such as the UOB Painting of the Year and various local institutions including the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) and National Gallery Singapore.
The UOL Group Limited also made a notable impact with their funding of Project OPENDOOR by ART (Singapore), which involved transforming old doors from conserved Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) flats into art installations. This project, displayed at the Avenue South Residence, merges local arts with heritage, engaging the community in a meaningful way.
Individual patrons were also celebrated, with Dr Stephen Riady and George Quek, co-founder of BreadTalk, receiving the Distinguished Patrons of the Arts (Individual) award. Their support was pivotal in the creation of LKY: THE EXPERIENCE, an interactive exhibition exploring the legacy of Singapore’s Founding Father, Mr Lee Kuan Yew.
In-kind contributions were also significant, with $15.1 million in support provided last year. This included diverse forms of assistance such as accountancy, technology, and marketing services. Noteworthy contributions include Hallam Chow’s donation of four artworks to the Singapore Art Museum (SAM), and Sameer Sain’s donation of Subodh Gupta’s Hungry God (2005-2006), which will be featured in SAM’s new collection gallery in 2025. Hong Zhu An’s donation of 22 artworks to the National Gallery Singapore further exemplifies the growing trend of enhancing public access to private collections.
New patrons like Yahssir M were recognized for their in-kind support, providing expertise in filming and editing for Maya Dance Theatre Ltd’s SEEDS Here. Not Here trailers and video series. Such varied contributions, from artwork donations to professional services, bridge gaps between private and public arts experiences, expanding access and raising arts literacy.
The 2024 POAA underscores a positive shift in arts philanthropy, with increasing recognition of the arts’ role in enriching lives and fostering a vibrant cultural landscape. The trend reflects a broader understanding of the arts’ importance and a growing commitment to supporting a sustainable and thriving arts ecosystem in Singapore.
