Research
Research studies are critical to provide robust empirical evidence regarding Singapore’s arts and culture landscape for policy and programme development. The National Arts Council (NAC) ensures the use of empirical evidence to support the development
of our policies and strategies including industry data are regularly compiled to glean insights. Commissioned studies such as the Population Survey on the Arts and the Arts and Culture Employment Study (ACES),
complement the Singapore Cultural Statistics and enable us to evaluate the impact the arts
have on Singaporeans, and the state of the sector. In addition, Culture Academy’s resource library also provides rich culture sector research materials.
It is important to know our current and future audiences. Our understanding of different audience segments must be backed by data to develop strategies that encourage more arts attendance and participation, and new entry points for audiences.
With changing digital consumption patterns, studies on digital engagement are also key to informing our audience development strategies. NAC will work closely with industry partners – including cultural institutions, arts organisations and practitioners,
and universities – on research that will be segmented by art forms and audience demographics.
Research on the impact of the arts on city living, health, education and community-building will enable us to be more effective in
arts advocacy, as well as help policy-makers, funders and the public to better appreciate the multi-dimensional value of the arts to society. Research can also help us to articulate the cultural identity of Singapore arts as we strive to develop distinctive
content that fosters national pride, speaks to our national identity and establishes Singapore arts globally. Practice-based research including archival work and documentation are critical to inform and deepen the creative process, enabling artistic
innovation in the sector. It will also affirm the important work of our Singapore artists, positioning them for the global recognition that they deserve.