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Performing arts to Singapore
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(Last updated: 26 Sep 2008)
Trends and opportunities
The market
As Singapore forges ahead and positions itself as a developed economy, there is greater impetus to focus on the 'softer side of life', that is, the creation of an entertainment and lifestyle-focused environment, where people can both work and play.
This has resulted in a wide array of festivals and events that are opportunities for Australian companies to provide high-end arts and cultural content to a diverse demographic of audience with substantial spending power.
The Singapore Government is actively developing Singapore as the distinctive global city for the arts. The National Arts Council is the key driver to realise this vision.
The arts and cultural scene is diverse and vibrant. Over the past decade, the total number of performing arts and cultural events has increased. During 1996 to 2006, performances rose from 2,510 a year to 6,556. This is matched by a growing participation, appreciation and learning of culture by Singaporeans. One in three Singaporeans participates in at least one arts and cultural event a year, as compared to 1 in 7 in 1999. Total attendances at arts events have almost doubled from 700,000 a decade ago to about 1.2 million.
Numerous shopping malls often engage roving performances to enhance the shopping experience. There are significant opportunities in this area during the festive seasons/festivals such as Chinese New Year, Christmas, the Great Singapore Sale, Singapore fashion festival, etc.
Opportunities
With an increase in the number of performing arts and cultural events there are a number of opportunities for Australian performers.
Arts market and festivals
Various festivals and trade fairs provide good opportunities for the Australian performing industry to export their products, services, and talents:
Art-related activities
The following venue operators include different genres of performing arts into their programs:
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Tariffs, regulations and customs
Work permits for foreign artists performing at any Public Entertainment Licence (PEL) bar, disco, lounge, night club, pub, hotel, private club or restaurant are for a maximum duration of six months only. Local organisers that engage Australian companies for performances are required to apply for PEL licences from the Ministry of Manpower.
Generally, performing artists or companies engaged to work in Singapore are subject to a 15 per cent withholding tax. There is an existing agreement between the governments of Singapore and Australia for the Avoidance of Double-Taxation. More information about the withholding tax and double taxation agreement can be sought from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore.
All goods and services in Singapore are subjected to Goods and Services Tax (GST) at a rate of 7 per cent.
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Marketing your products and services
Market entry
Key factors in marketing your products include the following:
- Festival organisers, venue operators and promoters often plan at least a year in advance, so keep in regular contact with festival organisers, venue operators and promoters and keep them updated on your organisation and new performances.
- Know your price range and flexibility before you meet with festival organisers, venue operators and promoters.
- Perform background checks on festival organisers, venue operators and promoters to ensure that you are working with reputable organisations.
- Attend reputable international performing arts festivals/markets to stay in touch with festival organisers, venue operators and promoters.
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Contact details
The Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) is the Australian Government’s trade and investment development agency, operating as a statutory agency within the Foreign Affairs and Trade portfolio.
Austrade assists Australian businesses contribute to national prosperity by succeeding in trade and investment, internationally, and promoting and supporting productive foreign investment into Australia.
Austrade:
- Delivers services that assist Australian businesses initiate, sustain and grow trade and outward investment.
- Promotes Australia as an inward investment destination and, with the States and Territories, supports the inflow of productive foreign direct investment.
- Administers the Export Market Development Grants scheme.
- Undertakes initiatives designed to improve community awareness of, and commitment to, international trade and investment.
- Provides advice to the Australian Government on its trade and investment development activities.
- Delivers consular, passport and other government services in designated overseas locations.
A list of Austrade offices (in alphabetical order of country) is available.
More information
For further information please contact Austrade on 13 28 78 or email info@austrade.gov.au |
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