“The population of 4.5 million has an arts budget of about $50 million, of which the government provides some $30 million. The rest comes from sponsorship, ticket sales and other revenue streams. Having built the infrastructure – the Esplanade, the recent renovation of old Parliament House into the Arts House performing and exhibition venue, a massive new wing to the Singapore Museum which opened in 2006 – the Government through its National Arts Council is now creating programs and events that will encourage more Singaporeans to take part in the arts.”