Dalai Lama Tells: Followers to Steer Clear of Relic Show

The head of the National Arts Council (NAC), Mr Benson Puah, recently chills in the back of some artists.

In his first interview since taking on the top of the NAC in the last year, he said the controversial decision earlier this year when the Council approved funding for the wild rice Arts Group $ 20,000 to $ 170,000.
When news broke in May, the Council stated that it would not fund projects "that are incompatible with the core values ​​promoted by the government and society, or to denigrate the government."

In an interview two weeks ago, Mr Pua worked off the reasons why funding.
The problem with wild rice, to put naughty plays with political themes is known, "cumulative," he said.

Funding, there has always existed and are included in the grant contracts.
This time, the Council decided to cut ahead of the reasons - to send, as he says, a "gentle reminder" for arts groups that they comply with funding guidelines, if they want to accept money from the government.
While it does not you spell it, got his message loud and clear: other arts groups may face cuts if they face performance compared to the directives not to "disparage" the government .

Although Mr. Pua should be recommended for the opening, the effect of his words is another matter.
Finally, he led the NAC, a statutory board whose missions are to maintain double artists and the arts integral to the lives of Singaporeans.

Mr. Pua himself of impeccable credentials as an administrator arts: he with the plaza since 1998, where he was Director with the art center is attributed to its leading position already.
Still, his boss.
Since NAC boss, Mr. Pua have control of the Council to grant-making decisions. He said he prefers to support new artists and groups, rather than spending funds NAC prestigious events, which have a limited impact.

Including artists should have the space and resources to express themselves - these are worthy goals in accordance with the first goal of the NAC artists feed.
Art scene in Singapore is composed of a variety of voices. Some are conservative, others liberal.
Some criticize the status quo, other pro-establishment. Unless they are outright libelous or stir up racial hatred explicitly, they deserve to hear, because they are artistic expressions of Singaporeans and Singapore, the product of experience.

The role of the Council is to promote a diverse and healthy ecosystem art. Funding should not be used to filter the views or critical dissent.