Objectives The Business Times (BT) and The Arts House share a common belief that every artistically gifted child in Singapore should be given the opportunity to develop that talent regardless of his/her own special needs and family's financial background.
To realise this vision, The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF) was initiated by The Arts House to level up the playing field for the less privileged but no less artistically talented children. Through this fund, BT and The Arts House will engage professionals in the performing and visual arts to help nurture these young talents in music, dance, theatre and visual art.
How Does It Work?
The Business Times and The Arts House play the role of fund-raisers for the fund - they collaborate with different partners, from corporate organisations to interested individuals, for various fund-raising events.
The Arts House, as the administrator of the fund, will identify the young talents through different platforms such as auditions and interviews. It will disburse the funds to pay for professionals to conduct training programmes for the children as well as for the purchase of musical instruments, art materials or any other material deemed necessary to the training or performance.
Who Is Eligible?
The applicant/child has to be:
(a) A Singapore citizen or Permanent Resident
(b) A full-time student receiving formal education
(c) Between the ages of 5 and 12 years
(d) Living in an 4-room HDB flat or smaller
(e) Families which display a financial need based on a Gross Monthly Household Income not exceeding $1800 or
Alternatively, the applicant/child has to be:
(a) A Singapore citizen or Permanent Resident
(b) A resident in a welfare home or a similar organisation for the less privileged
(c) Between the ages of 5 and 12 years
Before approving an application, the administrator will need the School Principal or Head of the Home to assess the applicant's financial situation and certify that he/she meets the eligibility criteria. The Fund's Board of Trustees will decide on all applications, as well as all appeals and special cases. Their decision will be final.
