Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands announced Monday it has established the Sands Innovative Arts Fund and provided an initial SG$500,000 donation with the goal of investing in emerging art forms and innovative creators.
The company said the new fund, operating under the National Arts Council’s Sustain the Arts Fund, is part of the integrated resort’s efforts to drive impact and inspire change through its community engagement program, Sands Cares, under which support for the arts is a key pillar, the company explained.
Specifically, MBS said it wants to nurture emerging talent and their efforts to leverage new technologies in artmaking and audience engagement, providing opportunities for growth to the creative community.
The Sands Innovative Arts Fund marks one of the largest donations towards the art scene ever made by MBS and may also be eligible for dollar-for-dollar matching under the Ministry of Culture, Community & Youth’s Cultural Matching Fund. If so, this would raise the total contributions to SG$1 million (US$745,000)
The donation follows the recent signing of a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MBS and the National Arts Council, cementing the integrated resort’s commitment to become a platform for the arts. The strategic alliance aims to transform MBS into a “vibrant canvas”, the company said, offering a unique blend of cultural experiences for event organizers and delegates.
“The arts have the power to inspire, challenge, and transform communities. Through the Sands Innovative Arts Fund, Marina Bay Sands is proud to play a role in shaping the future of the arts scene in Singapore,” said MBS Chief Operating Officer, Paul Town.
“This donation reflects our commitment to fostering creativity and innovation in the arts space for future generations.”
Singapore Art Week is currently taking place, running from 19 to 28 January, with MBS hosting the second edition of Where Art Takes Shape, an immersive celebration designed to inspire and captivate art enthusiasts and the broader community across the entire property.
