Committee of Supply 2025 debate, Day 4: Usha Chandradas on cross-border opportunities for artists and future of music festivals

The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has a stated goal of enhancing cross-border collaboration and the arts should not be left out, said NMP Usha Chandradas. She noted that artists often find it hard to afford studio space in Singapore. She asked if there are plans to facilitate artist-friendly rental agreements, co-working studio spaces or grant schemes to encourage creative businesses to expand in the SEZ. She also suggested bilateral initiatives such as cross-border artist residencies, public art projects or co-organised arts festivals to connect Singapore and Malaysian creatives into the larger regional arts ecosystem. In parliament on Wednesday (Mar 5), Ms Chandradas also asked about Singapore’s future plans for music festivals and whether the government has assessed their potential impact on tourism and the economy. She said there is a “widely held impression” that the music festival scene in Singapore is “far less vibrant” than it was some years ago.