MINISTRY OF CULTURE

Social and cultural development is an integral part of the overall development of the nation. The Ministry of Culture will encourage this development by promoting all forms of artistic endeavour.

The "Music for Everyone" concerts and "Art for Everyone" exhibitions have had good response. Together with other activities such as "Concerts for the Young" and "Open Air Art Exhibitions for the Young", they will continue to foster public appreciation of music and the fine arts.

We will encourage artistic pursuits which will bring graciousness into the lives of our people. This is particularly important because more and more live in high-rise new towns. Active support will be given to original literary and artistic productions. More competitions, exhibitions and performances will be organised. We shall especially encourage the young to participate in these activities.

Our radio and television services will continue to inform, educate and entertain. A new radio building will be completed this year. It will have a large auditorium to allow for greater audience participation in radio and TV productions. A pilot colour TV Service was introduced in August last year. The hours of colour TV programmes will be progressively extended. More local programmes will be produced to balance the overseas colour programmes. These will include film documentaries on a wide range of subjects.

The National Library is encouraging the reading habit and developing an enquiring mind in our young. Two more branch libraries have been opened in Toa Payoh and Chai Chee. Branches will also be established in other satellite towns. Opening hours will be further extended.

The People's Association will provide a wider range of recreational, social, cultural, educational and sports activities through its network of 174 community centres. Youth movements in community centres have helped to identify the needs of our young people. Youth councils will be set up to formulate policies and programmes. More community centres and holiday camps will be built or re-developed with improved amenities in keeping with changing social needs.

The National Theatre Trust has, in the last two years, promoted more local cultural activities besides continuing with its presentation of overseas artistes. The Theatre was renovated last year. The Trust will continue to assist cultural development.

The National Museum will also serve as an exhibition and educational centre devoted to the art, history and anthropology of the peoples of this region. After renovation, the Museum will have an Art Gallery of local paintings. The art collection of the University of Singapore will also be displayed in the Museum.