Market and Audience Development (MAD) Grant
The NAC Market and Audience Development (MAD) Grant supports activities to build audiences, patrons and supporters to complement artistic efforts at home and abroad. The grant covers marketing initiatives, branding, market research, international touring, and participation in international festivals. The MAD Grant provides different funding rates for non-profit and for-profit organisations, with special provisions for international travel support. Updated guidelines from December 2024 include revised submission deadlines and eligibility criteria.
Eligibility Criteria
- 01
Arts practitioners and organisations (both non-profit and for-profit eligible)
- 02
Projects must focus on building audiences, patrons and supporters
- 03
Marketing and audience development activities or international collaborations
- 04
Participation in international festivals, trade fairs, biennales, or visit programmes
How to Apply
1. Review updated guidelines from 14 December 2024 2. Prepare project proposal covering marketing/international activities 3. Submit application through NAC portal 4. Applications assessed based on audience development potential and market impact
Claims and Disbursement
Standard NAC claims procedures apply with different rates for projects vs. travel components. Progress reporting and final outcomes documentation required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Non-profit organisations receive up to 70% funding while for-profit organisations receive up to 50% for projects (excluding travel).
Up to 100% funding for airfare/freight, up to 70%/50% for associated travel costs. Maximum 3 travel grants per financial year.
Market research, branding and marketing, international collaborations, touring, festivals, trade fairs, and media visit programmes.
No, competition/conference funding should go through the Capability Development Grant.
Related Grants
Media Talent Progression Programme (MTPP)
IMDA
Overseas Development Grant: Up to 100% of qualifying costs or S$50,000 per application (whichever is lower); Content Grants: Managed through IMDA's Online Grant Management System
The Media Talent Progression Programme (MTPP) is designed to develop the capabilities of media professionals in producing quality international content, build their track record, and hone their ability to compete globally. It is one of IMDA's key programmes supporting Singapore's media industry talent pipeline, complementing the broader TAP programme announced in December 2025. MTPP comprises three grant types: (1) Long-Form Content Grants supporting the production of feature film projects (at least 70 minutes) or episodic series that provide quality roles for local media professionals, (2) Short-Form Content Grants supporting the production of short film or short content (not exceeding 40 minutes), and (3) Overseas Development Grants supporting media professionals selected for international programmes, project labs, development platforms, and prestigious awards/competition platforms. The programme provides a structured pathway for Singapore's media talent to gain international exposure, develop their skills in directing, producing, and scriptwriting, and build connections with the global media industry.
Presentation and Participation (P&P) Grant
National Arts Council
Individuals & Non-Profit: Up to 70%, cap $50,000/FY (Publishing: $100,000/FY); For-Profit: Up to 50%, cap $50,000/FY; First EP: Up to $10,000 once-off
The NAC Presentation and Participation (P&P) Grant enables a wide range of arts practitioners and organisations to express and enrich artistic diversity, increase arts appreciation and participation in Singapore. The grant supports music EPs, publishing, exhibitions/performances, and festivals/conferences via physical and/or digital means. The P&P Grant offers different funding structures depending on the type of project and organisation type, with special provisions for publishing and music EP projects. Updated guidelines from December 2024 include revised financial reporting and submission requirements.
Major Company Scheme
National Arts Council
70% of qualifying costs (standardised across all tracks)
The National Arts Council's Major Company Scheme supports the professional and artistic development of registered arts organisations that represent excellence in their core mission. Major Companies play an important role in the collective efforts of the arts sector, community, and Government to grow a vibrant arts and culture ecosystem in Singapore. The refreshed Major Company Scheme, introduced in FY2025, consolidates the previous three tracks (Artmaking, Bridging, and Intermediary) into a single unified scheme. Assessment is based on Artistic/Programme Excellence, Active Engagement of Stakeholders, and Organisational Capacity. Funding is prioritised for companies demonstrating efforts in Community Building, Capability Development, and Collaboration.
Capability Development Grant
National Arts Council
Up to 90% funding cap (enhanced from 15 April 2022)
The NAC Capability Development (CD) Grant encourages and supports continuous professional development of people working in Singapore's arts and culture sector. The grant covers training activities or programmes up to 12 consecutive months, supporting both professional training/skills development and on-the-job training. This grant is part of NAC's comprehensive support framework for the arts sector, updated with enhanced funding rates from April 2022. Key changes in December 2024 include updated submission deadlines, eligibility criteria, training allowance rates, and financial reporting requirements.
Tote Board Arts Fund
National Arts Council
Assessed per project (no fixed cap). Applicants may concurrently seek funding from Arts Fund and other NAC grants for the same project.
The Tote Board Arts Fund is an initiative of the Singapore Totalisator Board, managed by a committee appointed by the National Arts Council (NAC). It provides support to local artists and arts groups in bringing the arts to communities and creating shared experiences for people to connect with one another. The fund aims to make the arts accessible to wider audiences while fostering social connections. The Arts Fund supports projects across multiple art forms including music, dance, theatre, musical theatre, multi-disciplinary performances, visual arts exhibitions (including photography), and literary arts events such as readings and poetry performances. Projects must demonstrate a well-designed approach to fulfilling social outcomes related to community building, national identity, and appreciation of the arts.
Creation Grant
National Arts Council
Up to S$50,000 per applicant for up to 18 months
The National Arts Council's Creation Grant supports the creation, adaptation, and re-development of distinctive artistic content. Through a rigorous creation process, NAC seeks to expand the canon of works that engage audiences at home and abroad. The grant is designed to support the entire creation process across multiple art forms for up to 18 months. For the 2025 cycle, projects with strong use of digital technology as part of their creation process and/or as a platform to present their mini-showcase will be prioritised. Recipients are supported to present a mini-showcase to potential producers and presenters, followed by a post-show discussion.