With strict social distancing, capacity limits, and even venue closures over the past two years of the pandemic, needless to say, the arts and culture sector in Singapore has taken quite a few hits. Now that life is taking on a shade of pre-Covid normalcy, the sector is starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. More help is also on the way, with the announcement of an additional $12 million injected in 2022 to build on the gains of the Arts and Culture Resilience Package (ACRP) and sustain the momentum that has been built over the past two years.
Let's take a look again at all the ways that arts is coming back to life in Singapore and what you can look forward to.
Live performances resume in all venues and settings
We all rejoiced when it was announced that live performances are not able to resume in all venues and settings. That means singers, musicians and DJs can bring live music back to F&B venues, performing venues and platforms.
Restrictions on the number of performers and crew or unmasked performers have also been lifted, and indoor live performances can now have up to 1000 audience members or 75% of venue capacity with more than 1000 audience members. That means full orchestras, livelier crowds, and all-around good vibes. Soak it up at some of these stellar live music venues.
Busking returns to the streets
Nothing like discovering your new favourite talent just by walking down the street. Endorsed buskers under the Busking Scheme can now perform outdoors mask-free, so long as they are vaccinated, recovered from Covid-19, or medically ineligible for vaccination. Audiences, we know you're excited, but please also keep a one-metre safe distance from buskers.
We've got to agree with busker singer-songwriter Cliff Lee here, who says,"NAC’s digital initiatives and pilots have provided us timely support as alternative platforms during the pandemic, but I definitely miss street busking and interactions with people who stop in their tracks to enjoy the music – that is just something that cannot be replaced. Looking forward to seeing everyone on the streets!"
Aspiring buskers, take note – there's a new e-service portal on the NAC website for you to book locations and time slots more easily. Find out more here.
More art classes and workshops on-site
No more class size limits for all mask-on classes, workshops and vaccine-differentiated safe management classes (like dance, singing and wind instruments). For me and you, that means you can mingle with the full community of like-minded artists and art enthusiasts again.
But to protect non-vaccinated children aged 12 and below in mask-off classes, class sizes must be limited to 10 pax – and every other person in the class has to be vaccinated, recovered from an infection or medically ineligible for the jab.
Ready to get crafty? Here are some of the best art workshops to attend in Singapore.
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