SINGAPOREAN PERCEPTIONS OF PUBLIC ART SPACES ALONG SINGAPORE RIVER

Abstract

In striving to establish Singapore as a Global City for the Arts, the Ministry of Information, Communication and the Arts has supported the development of public art spaces to make the art easily accessible to the public to widen the people’s appreciation of arts. The Singapore River is one of the pioneer public art spaces in Singapore. The public art along Singapore River are concentrated in the Boat Quay Zone.

This dissertation seeks to investigate Singaporean’s visit frequencies, purpose of visit, perceptions as well as appreciation of the public sculptures along Singapore River. It also aims to investigate the usage and relationship of Singaporeans with the art spaces and the impact on quality of life.

The findings revealed that there was a low level of arts appreciation amongst Singaporeans. However, respondents had good perceptions of the public art space in terms of accessibility, integration of the sculpture with its site and visual quality. The relationship between the sculptures and the public were evaluated based on its relevance to the community, public’s engagement with the public sculptures and community development. Singaporeans generally felt that public art has improved their quality of life by enhancing the built environment, conveying cultural values and instilling a sense of national pride.