The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth has spent some $19 million as of the end of last year on a masterplan which aims to promote arts appreciation among new audiences and give more grants to community arts groups.

This update was given by Acting Minister Lawrence Wong in Parliament on Thursday in response to Nominated MP Janice Koh, who asked for an update on the five-year Community Engagement Masterplan launched in April last year.

Mr Wong said about half of the $19 million went to setting up networks of staff and volunteers to engage residents, tailor programmes for the local community and disseminate information on activities, resources and facilities.

Some 40 per cent went to supporting new programmes. These include the creation of 84 community arts and culture clubs as well as interest groups in areas like pottery, theatre, singing and the ukulele, said Mr Wong.

The masterplan has also supported over 450 "arts and culture 101" programmes held at public libraries and other programmes aimed at youths, seniors and working adults to promote arts appreciation.

Over 140 artists and arts groups have taken part in activities to engage the community as performers, instructors and mentors, said Mr Wong.