Singapore Budget 2014: New $1.5m fund for VWOs keen to use arts in programmes

Voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs) keen to use the arts in programmes for their beneficiaries can soon tap a new fund from the Government.

Some $1.5 million will be set aside to support them, said Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community and Youth Sam Tan in Parliament on Tuesday.

The National Arts Council, which will administer the fund, will match VWOs interested in working with artists to develop arts programmes for "wellness, intervention or rehabilitation", said Mr Tan.

It will work with the Community Development Councils to ensure that the projects are "coordinated and have maximum impact".

The initiative is part of his ministry's efforts to bring the arts and sports closer to the community.

"We believe that the arts and sports have the potential to uplift our society - including the underserved and vulnerable," he said.

"The arts and sports have a transformative power that can touch lives, give hope, and help heal."

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.