Film, arts and culture as community outreach tools: Perspectives from Singapore

This article focuses on the Singapore’s government using the film and arts both as an economic as well as a community outreach tool. It argues that the evolution of the state arts policy is a function of the economic policy. Its “Creative City ” approach is both economically-driven as well as arts-centered. At the same time, policy makers have introduced many strategies to build a vibrant film and arts sector to make the arts more accessible to the community. Cinemas and arts institutions also are seeking ways to increase the public’s access and exposure to their activities. The objective of this study is to understand the effectiveness of the use of film and arts and culture as a community bonding tool. This study raises some of the problems faced by filmmakers, artists and arts organizations. Singapore’s policy makers should seriously consider some of the recommendations made in this study to ensure that the nation remains as an attractive place for creative talents to reside in. Both large and small film and arts organisations and institutions play equally important roles in shaping the broad background conditions and context that set Singapore on a socially inclusive and cohesive path to becoming a global creative city.