A ‘Pass’ to support cultural activities in Singapore

The city-state government is launching a 100-local-dollar card to facilitate access to events, exhibitions and initiatives for young and old. It is also a way to support employment in the sector, which is still struggling despite the post-Covid recovery.

Singapore (AsiaNews) - The Singapore authorities have decided to focus on a new initiative called ‘SG Culture Pass’ to support cultural initiatives and employment in a key sector among those that guarantee identity and development in the city-state. These initiatives contribute in an essential way to defining a society that is cohesive by constitution and aimed at the common good, despite the plurality of ethnic and religious components.

The ‘Culture Pass’ is a card worth 100 Singaporean dollars (about 75 US dollars) which, as well as reviving general interest in cultural activities and allowing easier access for citizens of legal age (in particular young and elderly people), also aims to support employment in the sector, which is still struggling despite the overall recovery following the Covid 19 pandemic.

Some criticism has been expressed by those who believe that the 0 million allocated could have been used differently in a period of high cost of living and pressure on the labour market. But there are also many favourable opinions, based on two elements. The first: the pass will help support the job opportunities and incomes of many employees in the organisation and running of live events, exhibitions and art workshops. The second: participating in artistic events can help at an individual and collective level, to overcome difficult moments or unfavourable trends. A clear example, local analysts point out, comes from the reality of the pandemic, a time when many turned to music, cinema, shows, writing and reading, obtaining great benefit from it.

The success of an initiative during that period, SingapoRediscover, which SG Culture Pass is modelling on, opened the way for public support that didn't start from direct intervention or assistance, but involved the population with a multiplier of benefits.

On 10 March registration opened for anyone in the sector who wants to participate in the initiative by accepting the card as at least partial payment. The amount can be spent on one or more occasions, even in part with the contribution of the holder, so as to extend the possibilities and the time span of use. There are also those who suggest distributing it not only via the Internet and in a virtual way, but, at least for those who don't have developed digital skills, to collect it in special centres where the staff are able to interact with applicants of different ages, cultures and social backgrounds, as well as to enable artists to express themselves outside traditional contexts to make artistic experiences more accessible.

Finally, there are those who hope that the pass will provide an opportunity for many Singaporeans to re-evaluate and, with their participation, revive local literature, figurative arts and theatre and cinema.