IF YOU are a dancer, writer or playwright wanting to create new work, there is a new source for funding.

The new Arts Creation Fund, with $3.5 million in the kitty to last over five years is administered by the National Arts Council (NAC).

Singapore citizens or permanent residents in the literary, performing and visual arts can apply for grants of up to $50,000 each.

Within a year, the artist is expected complete the work, and to present a manuscript, a mini-showcase accompanied by a post-show dialogue, or public lecture or reading, depending on the art form.

After that, he can apply for other NAC grants to exhibit, publish or stage the work.

The Arts Creation Fund is the only funding NAC gives artists to create new artworks.

It is an addition to the $12 million or so that the NAC gives to artists each year for scholarships, commissions, major international commissions and rent subsidies.

Read the full story in Wednesday's edition of The Straits Times' Life!