Singapore government officials say there is a good chance that the Singapore International Festival of Arts will not have to seek licensing regulations from the government from now on, trying to allay concerns that the festival would become watered down if it had to answer to government rules. Previous incarnations of the festival have had to seek the licenses, as the organizations that controlled the programming were new to the scene.
Art festivals that do not have to obtain licensing regulations from the government handle things like organizing programming and exhibits themselves, including designating ratings for some that might be deemed offensive or inappropriate to some age groups.
The previous leader of Sifa decried the licensing requirements for the festival, saying that it was too difficult to adhere to the government’s rules while bringing new and challenging programs for the event. Sifa has long been regarded as important for introducing new concepts and important but often controversial subjects and shows.
However, in watering down Sifa, which was previously known as the Singapore Arts Festival, officials run the risk of it becoming obsolete. The Singapore Arts Festival was replaced by the more cutting-edge Sifa after a sharp plunge in guests. In the Singapore Arts Festival’s final year, the event enjoyed less than half visitors from the previous year.
With a new person at the helm of Sifa, though, government officials say that it is possible that the festival could obtain an exemption from the licensing regulations, meaning there would be more creative freedom and influence over the festival. The previous leader of Sifa struggled with some of the more controversial programming under the government’s rules, resulting in an important production about pedophilia to be unavailable for individuals younger than 18 to view. In other showings around the globe, children were allowed to view it; the showing of the program in Singapore was the most restricted.
While many might question the purpose of shocking and challenging art, it is important to remember that art should, at times, shock and challenge. If viewing an art exhibit or attending a festival doesn’t make a visitor feel anything or take them out of their normal bubble of comfort, it might be said that the exhibit didn’t push hard enough to make an impact. Art should push the boundaries. It should make people feel, think, and talk to each other.
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To read more about licensing requirements for art festivals and the Singapore International Festival of Arts, go to http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/arts/singapore-international-festival-of-arts-might-be-more-independent-from-next-year.