Mr David Neo, Ag Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, and Senior Minister of State for Education with the artists that performed at the Patron of the Arts Awards 2025.

This year’s Patron of the Arts Awards (POAA) honours 515 patrons, the highest number of awardees in the last five years.

Another significant milestone this year is a notable rise in the number of individual patrons, reflecting a growing number of people who recognise the importance of the arts and commitment in sustaining the arts. While corporate patrons continue with their steadfast support, 412 individual patrons (80% of the total awardees) have also been recognised at this year’s POAA.

The contributions recognised in this year’s POAA totalled $45.74 million, comprising $28 million in cash and $17 million in kind. Corporate contributions continued to be a key source of support for the arts, accounting for 68 percent (more than $30 million) of total giving, while individual contributions accounted for 32 percent (more than $15 million). This signals strong continued support for the arts in areas that enrich lives, expand access to the arts in the community, and strengthen the long-term growth of Singapore‘s arts ecosystem. The awards ceremony was held tonight at Pan Pacific Singapore, officiated by Mr David Neo, Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, and Senior Minister of State for Education.

Rising individual philanthropy signifies deeper personal engagement with the arts

Out of the record number of 412 individual patrons, 155 were first-time donors, comprising 88% of new donors in 2025.

Beyond cash contributions that fund performances, individual patrons have provided diverse forms of in-kind support, including donating artworks, bolstering education programmes and providing essential resources such as venues, professional services, and mentorship. Among this year’s first-time patrons, Distinguished Patron of the Arts Sui Ning was recognised for a cash donation to the Yong Siew Toh Master of Music Scholarship Fund, nurturing the next generation of local artists. Distinguished Patron of the Arts recipient Eric Cabri van Amelrode Beng Kwee K Lim donated two works by Chua Ek Kay and one work by Chng Seok Tin to National Gallery Singapore, ensuring that significant local works by Cultural Medallion recipients remain accessible to future generations.

Corporate giving anchors programmes that have a positive impact on the community

The strong corporate giving of over $30 million in contributions has launched programmes with meaningful social impact, supporting youth development, mental well-being, and fostering inclusion and social cohesion through the arts.

Donor support has significantly strengthened the capacity of arts groups to engage with wider and more diverse audiences, seamlessly integrating the arts into everyday life. Distinguished Patron of the Arts recipient UOL-PPHG supported Artability, Rainbow Centre’s visual arts training programme for youths, alongside exhibition sponsorships for differently abled artists. Patron of the Arts recipient Orchard Turn Developments Pte Ltd backed a range of community initiatives, including an exhibition featuring works by 20 seniors from Lion Befrienders Active Ageing Centres, which also involved workshops to nurture digital literacy and self-expression.

Enabling long-term growth in the arts sector

Arts philanthropy continues to play a critical role in sustaining Singapore’s arts ecosystem. Beyond support for artistic excellence, it enables smaller and emerging arts groups to access wider resources, networks, and infrastructure. Friend of the Arts recipient CapitaLand Retail Management activated four malls for arts presentations, extending the arts’ reach into new and public spaces.

Patrons also donated through the provision of specialised and corporate skills. Friend of the Arts recipient Dean Augustine provided a range of in-kind sponsorships including marketing and public relations services for Singapore Street Festival’s Elden Ring and Stardew Valley concerts which took place in 2024. Friend of the Arts recipient Elmwood Grove Private Limited also provided Raw Moves Ltd with specialised support, which included corporate taxation and accounting services for 2024.