Patron of the Arts Awards Record number of arts patrons in 2024, but overall donation drops to $45.74m

Patron of the Arts Awards

- Shawn Hoo

A record 515 individuals and organisations were recognised for their donations to the arts, totalling $45.74 million in 2024. The total is a drop from the $50.2 million donated in 2023.

The numbers were revealed at the Patron of the Arts Awards (POAA), organised by the National Arts Council (NAC) and held at Pan Pacific Singapore on Aug 20. The annual award has been given out since 1983.

Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo, who was the guest of honour, said in a speech that the arts scene has grown in the past two decades.

He noted: "In 2011, there were just around 7,700 performing arts activities. This has almost doubled to nearly 13,000 activities in 2024."

He acknowledged the critical role that patrons and donors play in the arts ecosystem, adding that he was encouraged to see young patrons among those giving, which has been "complemented by strong corporate support for the arts".

He reiterated the Government's commitment to supporting the arts through initiatives like the $100 million top-up to the Cultural Matching Fund and the $300 million disbursed through the SG Culture Pass, slated to begin on Sept 1.

"The arts shape our Singapore spirit, and our local arts groups are steadily growing and gaining traction and support. On our part, the Government remains firmly committed to investing in the arts."