A national resource centre will be set up for freelancers in the arts sector to allow them better access to resources, training and networking.
Speaking at the Committee of Supply debate for the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), Parliamentary Secretary Baey Yam Keng said the centre will exist in “both physical and digital forms”. MCCY will be consulting potential partners to secure a suitable space for the centre.
“The centre will conduct training programmes, as well as provide resources and services on individual rights and responsibilities, career development and finance,” he said. The centre is expected to provide freelancers access to job opportunities as well.
Addressing Dr Lim Wee Kiak’s question about Government support for arts freelancers, Mr Baey said: “We agree that more can be done to enhance professional support for independent artists.”
In the National Arts Council’s 2016 Arts and Culture Employment Survey, nearly half of the respondents indicated that they work primarily on a freelance basis.
Mr Baey said a support framework that fosters fair and progressive employment conditions and meets freelancers’ professional development needs has been developed.
The National Arts Council (NAC) and the National Heritage Board will be early adopters of Ministry of Manpower’s Tripartite Standard for Contracting Self-Employed Persons, he said.
“We will also encourage arts groups and institutions within the wider culture sector to implement these measures.”
Read the complete report by Jalelah Abu Baker on Channel NewsAsia.
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