The National Arts Council (NAC)’s Major Company Scheme supports the professional and artistic development of registered arts organisations that represent excellence in their core mission. Major Companies play an important role in the collective efforts of the Arts sector, community and Government to grow a vibrant arts and culture ecosystem in Singapore; one that enhances our creative economy, deepens our shared identity, and makes Singapore a distinctive city through artistic and programme excellence.
Refreshed Design of Major Company Scheme
The refreshed Major Company Scheme which was introduced in FY2025, aims to support arts organisations across different art forms and organisational types and better contribute to the strategic priorities outlined in Our SG Arts Plan (2023 – 2027); to build a connected society, create a distinctive city and drive the creative economy.
Based on the feedback gathered from engagement sessions conducted with the arts community, many echoed the importance of recognising the multiple roles of a company and their holistic contributions within a sustainable ecosystem. The three tracks (Artmaking, Bridging and Intermediary) will now be consolidated, and assessment of applications will be based on (i) Artistic/Programme Excellence, (ii) Active Engagement of Stakeholders, and (iii) Organisational Capacity. Grant cap will be standardised at 70% of qualifying costs.
NAC will also invest more in training for all Major Companies who can now apply for the Capability Development Grant for additional adhoc professional development programmes to train their full-time staff.
In line with the outcomes of our refreshed Arts Plan, funding will also be prioritised for companies who can demonstrate additional efforts in these areas:
- Community Building
- Increase access of the arts to different segments of Singaporeans
- Demonstrate positive social impact of the arts (e.g. in bridging diversity, or improving well-being etc) across different segments and demographics
- Developing deeper engagement through quality arts experiences developed in collaboration with the community
- Capability Development
- Focusing on investment in the professional development of relevant capabilities for artists and arts companies, i.e. structured training with clear learning and outcome(s) for the industry
- Addressing critical gaps in skills and knowledge across arts sector, such as in-demand job/skill, developing internationalisation capabilities, and/or arts leadership
- Collaboration
- Creating innovative collaborations (e.g., multi/intercultural or multi-disciplinary or cross-sector works) that reflect a meaningful integration of different cultures, artforms and/or sectors etc.
- Exploring collaborations that bring about sustained sectoral benefits, transformation and/or growth. For example:
- Increasing international exposure and/or opportunities for market development to enhance Singapore’s global arts presence and demand for local arts
- Improving operational efficiency and sectoral capability enhancement through shared services (e.g. adoption of common metaverse or digital products)
Please download the grant guidelines for full details of assessment criteria and application process, as well as the proposal and budget/programme sheet prior to submission. For further queries on the Major Company Scheme, please contact your account manager or email us at NAC_Feedback@nac.gov.sg. Alternatively, you may reach out to the respective art form contacts found under How and when to apply for the Major Company Scheme.