The Government's Investment in the Future of Music
The Media Development Authority (MDA) have an abundance of extremely generous schemes in place to help media professionals develop new skills and seek new opportunities, whether as a freelancer or as an employee.
If you work in production and are looking to develop new skills in a particular software package or are required to build up certain qualifications to work in a niche area of production then there are grants to help you fund your goals. Or perhaps you are part of a band or solo musician or singer who is looking to release their own record or who is providing the soundtrack/sound effects for film/animation/TV. There are multiple grants to help you get started in your chosen endeavors.
At a glance, here are some of the ways the Singapore government can help members of its music industry:
Development Assistance Scheme - developing a single and press kit The scheme aims to aid unsigned artists (solos and bands) looking to break into the commercial music industry and who need some assistance in funding their first single and promotional material. It's a means of financing the first step into the music industry.
Development Assistance Scheme - developing a single and press kit Production Assistance Scheme - funding the completion of a full EP For the established musician who has already taken the first steps in releasing their own singles and building up a fan base. Criteria such as YouTube subscribers, Facebook fans and amount of records and digital copies already sold, factor heavily in the application process. Pro-active musicians who have an audience of followers and who have done most of the initial leg work themselves are desired candidates for the grant.
Development Assistance Scheme - developing a single and press kit Production Assistance Scheme - funding the completion of a full EP Marketing Assistance Scheme - Promotion If a record is already completed and now promotion is required to showcase via live performances, this grant is a great way to help fund some of the touring. This scheme was designed for musicians who have a completed product and want to reach a larger audience.
Development Assistance Scheme - developing a single and press kit Production Assistance Scheme - funding the completion of a full EP Marketing Assistance Scheme - Promotion Talent Assistance Scheme - Training and Developing new skills A great way for those in production who are required to learn new software packages or develop new skills. As technology is always evolving and software and equipment are expensive, this generous grant is invaluable for freelancers and employees who wish to move further up the ladder in their chosen talent.
Development Assistance Scheme - developing a single and press kit Production Assistance Scheme - funding the completion of a full EP Marketing Assistance Scheme - Promotion Talent Assistance Scheme - Training and Developing new skills The above is an overview of some grants available to you, but by no means is a complete list. The Singaporean Government is committed to furthering the arts and has many schemes in place to help their national talent.