RECORD MUSEUM VISITORSHIP WITH CONTINUED SUPPORT FROM COMMUNITY AND BENEFACTORS
23 April 2010 – A record 2.82 million visitors visited the National Heritage Board’s (NHB) family of museums in Financial Year 2009, a further increase from the 2.62 million of the previous year. Outreach figures also reached an all-time high with 6.56 million participating in NHB’s events and activities between April 2009 and March 2010. Such encouraging news comes in the wake of generous contributions by cultural philanthropists to Singapore’s heritage scene.
2 Despite the economic downturn, heritage supporters were big-hearted in their giving and the Patron of Heritage Awards 2009 saw close to S$11 million worth of donations and loans contributed to heritage causes islandwide. In its fourth year, the prestigious national accolade by NHB saw 60 cultural benefactors stepping forth with their kind donations and loans which have enabled NHB’s museums to strengthen their programming, research and operational strategies. The S$11 million contributed is a combination of S$2.3 million of cash sponsorships, in-kind donations totaling S$5.8 million, and S$2.4 million worth of long-term loans. Mr Lui Tuck Yew, Acting Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts, will grace the awards ceremony as Guest-of-Honour on 23 April 2010 at the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM).
3 The Patron of Heritage Awards 2009 pays tribute to the heartwarming gestures of heritage philanthropists who have given selflessly to the heritage cause. This year, we see both long-time supporters as well as new heritage donors from diverse fields contributing to the heritage scene. One such individual is Mr Koh Seow Chuan with his generous donation of legal documents, letters, art pieces and photographic materials to the National Library Board (NLB). These 1,714 items are rare heritage materials that will complement the existing collection of NLB. Another fervent supporter is Mr David Zuellig of The Zuellig Group Inc, whose donation in support of ACM’s Land of the Morning: The Philippines and its People exhibition and its Fund-raising Gala 2009, marks his most recent contribution in a long history of support.
4 Private corporations such as Credit Suisse AG also go back a long way in their giving with contributions to Singapore Art Museum’s (SAM) President’s Young Talents 2009, an exhibition of selected contemporary works by budding local artists held at SAM’s 8Q wing. This initiative is part of the Credit Suisse: Innovation in Art Series, a long-term partnership between SAM and Credit Suisse AG. For the first time, a cash award and sponsored residency abroad were also presented to the exhibition’s winner, Vertical Submarine. Suntec Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) has also been a loyal supporter of the heritage cause. Since 2004, Suntec REIT’s venue sponsorship has enabled the award-winning festival to secure an ideal location for its Festival Hub, with the festival’s anchor exhibition and dedicated stage programming held within the strategically located mall.
5 “Preserving and showcasing our nation’s heritage requires more than just the effort of NHB. The support of individuals and organisations is instrumental in helping us grow the heritage ecosystem and at the same time, strengthen the interest and a sense of pride in Singapore’s heritage and culture. I would like to thank all our patrons for your unwavering support towards heritage philanthropy in Singapore,” says Mr Lui Tuck Yew, Acting Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts.
6 2009 also saw newly minted patrons such as AETN All Asia Networks donating in-kind to the well-received Egyptian blockbuster, Quest for Immortality – The World of Ancient Egypt, at the National Museum of Singapore. Asia Art Center’s contribution enabled SAM to present the exhibition, Li Chen: Mind Body Spirit. This was world-renowned sculptor Li Chen’s first solo outdoor sculpture exhibition in an Asian museum.
7 Singapore’s key artists and their families also donated selflessly. In 2009, renowned local artists Aw Tee Hong, Chen Cheng Mei, Cheng Yajie, Ong Kim Seng and the family of Yeh Chi Wei donated their masterpieces to SAM and The National Art Gallery, Singapore. Besides contributing towards
8 Philanthropic support also came from beyond our shores with a generous donation of 104 exquisite handmade Edo-Kimekomi dolls by the Traditional Edo-Kimekomi Dolls Sachiei-Kai to the Singapore Philatelic Museum (SPM). These beautiful dolls were displayed during the Edo-Kimekomi Dolls Exhibition at SPM last year. The Ayala Corporation, a perennial supporter of arts and heritage initiatives in the Philippines, was also ACM’s partner institution for the exhibition, Land of the Morning: The Philippines and its People. The corporation’s generous contribution helped bring Filipino art, history and culture to Singapore for the very first time.
9 Loans from private collectors and organisations are integral to the success of museums and their exhibitions. The Patron of Heritage Awards 2009 honours the many lenders who have stepped forward with significant loans to the national museums. Mr Edmond Chin, a long-time patron of ACM, loaned the museum his collection of exquisite Peranakan objects, of which includes a stunning peacock belt. The ACM was also honoured to receive a long-term loan of 21 artefacts from the Government of India through the Archaeological Survey of India. These exquisite Indian sculptures are currently on show at the museum’s South Asia gallery.
10 Says Mr Michael Koh, Chief Executive Officer of NHB: “We would like to thank our selfless benefactors for their gifts of love to the heritage cause. These generous acts of philanthropy stand testament to their passion for heritage, and allow for the preservation and continuation of our cultural legacy for generations to come. Without their support, NHB would not have been able to embark on successful exhibitions and programmes such as Quest for Immortality – The World of Ancient Egypt, The Kangxi Emperor: Treasures from the Forbidden City and Singapore HeritageFest which have helped encourage a more active museum-going culture among Singaporeans, and reinforce Singapore’s standing as a regional cultural hub.”
11 This year, the awards go to 45 organisations and 15 individuals. The breakdown is as follows:
Donations in cash, kind or material [1]:
· Patron of Heritage (S$1 million to S$1,999,999): One winner
· Partner of Heritage (S$150,000 to S$999,999): 15 winners
· Friend of Heritage (S$50,000 to S$149,999): 37 winners
Long-term loans (5 years or more) of materials (artefacts, artworks and others):
· Distinguished Supporter of Heritage (value of items from $1 million): One winner
· Supporter of Heritage (value of items less than S$1 million): Six winners
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About the Patron of Heritage Awards
Established in 2006, the Patron of Heritage Awards is an annual event that aims to boost heritage philanthropy in
About the National Heritage Board
The National Heritage Board (NHB) champions the development and promotion of a vibrant cultural and heritage sector in Singapore. It makes heritage enriching, relevant and accessible to all through staging innovative programmes and forging partnerships. NHB leverages on technology and refreshing new approaches to make heritage more dynamic, alive and exciting. It also manages both national and public museums, the Heritage Conservation Centre, National Archives of Singapore, Preservation of Monuments Board and community heritage institutions, Malay Heritage Centre and Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall. NHB was formed on 1 August 1993 as a statutory board under the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (MICA).
Who Are Eligible For The Awards
To be eligible for the Patron of Heritage Awards 2009, organisations or individuals must have contributed towards either of the following during the qualifying period from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2009:
· Contributed artefacts, artworks or archival materials to the collection of any museum or heritage institution in
· Contributed to the building and development of museums and heritage institutions in
· Played a pivotal role in creating memorable heritage events for the community at large
· Contributed to publications and scholarships related to heritage
Other than the above, NHB may also consider other contributions to heritage-related causes on a case-by-case basis.
Award Criteria
Awards will be given based on the following six categories:
Donations in cash, kind or material:
· Distinguished Patron of Heritage: S$2 million and above
· Patron of Heritage: S$1 million to S$1,999,999
· Partner of Heritage: S$150,000 to S$999,999
· Friend of Heritage: S$50,000 to S$149,999
Long-term loans (5 years or more) of materials (artefacts, artworks and others) within the qualifying period:
· Distinguished Supporter of Heritage: Value of items worth S$1 million or more
· Supporter of Heritage: Value of items less than S$1 million
[1] In-kind contributions include advertising/media space, venue space, F&B and manpower services. Materials comprise museological materials such as artworks and artefacts as well as archival materials like photographs, video and audio recordings.
RECORD MUSEUM VISITORSHIP WITH CONTINUED SUPPORT FROM COMMUNITY AND BENEFACTORS [383.7 KB]
