Nowadays among the average Joe, many people tend to neglect the presence of these extraordinary arts as they prefer to dedicate their time towards doing more meaningful things, such as studies, work or even online activities! It is no doubt that Singapore is a busy, bustling city, known for it’s rigorous education system and hectic lifestyle. Hence, many people do not have the time or opportunity to take a trip to the museum or watch a play. Even if they were to fork out time from their busy schedule for leisure activities, they’d rather use that time to catch up on their latest shows or hobbies, instead of spending that time aimlessly walking around museums or sitting among crowds watching plays that often cast a sleeping spell on them. For example, I for one would definitely prefer catching up on my Korean-drama series instead of making a trip down to the museum and paying money to watch plays that would most likely bore me to death. 

Singaporeans too not do not show signs of interest towards art as it could be quite costly. A simple trip to the museum could cost one up to forty dollars or more, and the fee to watch a play could easily exceed a hundred dollars. These prices appeal to us Singaporeans as plain nonsense, as the money spent on art activities could be used for more efficient thing, such as food or clothing. In addition, we are able to see free art all around us, be it at HDB blocks, schools or even at work offices! For example, HDB blocks display significant art pieces done by various residents in the neighbourhood. Schools too put up art work done by students, and invite students from the performing arts to do a play or sing and dance for the school to witness and enjoy. 

However, this does not apply to every individual, for there are still a minority who share an interest towards the arts. To some, a simple thing like visiting a museum or watching a play gives them a sense of serenity, where they are able to relax and put their mind to ease, especially after a long day of work. This can serve as a form of tranquility to one, as well as allow one to expand their knowledge and broaden their horizons towards facts about historical content. 

In conclusion, although there are a majority of people who are not interested in any activities related to art, I do hope for more people to be more open towards the beauty of art. This way, we would be able to gain a better understanding towards the various arts and learn to appreciate them together.

Singapore has long been recognised for its emphasis on scientific and technological advancements which has led to the focus on STEM education and career paths. Consequently, the arts have sometimes been overshadowed, leading to a perceived lack of interest among the populace. 

The educational system in Singapore places a strong emphasis on science and math subjects, as they are seen as crucial for economic development and technological innovation. This emphasis often translates into a prioritization of STEM-related activities and events in schools, leaving limited time and resources for arts-related pursuits. For example, my school has many programmes involving STEM such as the science programme and math week; however my school rarely has art programmes or a week dedicated to learning more about the arts.  As a result, many people such as myself may not have had the opportunity to develop a deep appreciation for art.

Furthermore, there is a prevailing mindset that success and financial stability are closely tied to careers in the sciences or engineering sectors. This mindset often leads individuals to prioritize academic achievements in these areas, which can inadvertently marginalize the arts. A lot of my peers look down on students who are taking O level art as they assume that we are incapable of grasping subjects that are perceived to have a harder syllabus, although what they don’t know is that art is actually a subject that is very hard to get a distinction in as it requires deep understanding and motor skills. Additionally, the fast-paced and competitive nature of Singaporean society may leave little time for leisure activities, including those related to the arts. As a result, individuals may feel compelled to allocate their time and energy towards more "practical" pursuits.

While it is true that Singapore's focus on science and math has led to a perception of diminished interest in art activities, this does not imply a complete lack of interest. There are still individuals and communities within the country who deeply appreciate and engage in the arts. Efforts are being made to promote the value of the arts and create opportunities for artistic exploration. It is essential to foster a balanced education system that recognizes the importance of both STEM and the arts, allowing individuals to develop a well-rounded perspective and appreciation for diverse forms of knowledge and expression.

To put it bluntly, Singapore does not have such an extravagant history as compared to other countries like China. We as students hardly ever visit a museum out of our own will, especially if it comes with a fare and we have to pay. As a student, if not for the schools that provide learning journeys to the Art Science Museum, or the National Arts Gallery, it definitely would not be on the top of our to-do lists. Certainly for a normal student who has no particular interest in art, museums would not even pop into my mind. Well I must say that the museums are certainly a beautiful and splendid place bursting with serenity and we feel as if time is stilled. If we’ve got nowhere else to go, but have an interest in photography then yes, museums are a definite go to. 

On the other hand, in other countries like China, it’s a definite must to visit museums and learn about their incredible and unique history. When my family goes overseas, we go in a pack of 9, a family of 4 generations. There was this Noah’s Ark Theme Park we visited in Hong Kong, which till now I still fondly remember. Inside it was simply miraculous, there was a video playing about the history and the events that took place over the years, which my grandparents were quite intrigued by. There were many art exhibitions which were free of charge which was a plus and a multitude of art pieces which we took many photographs with. 

For instance, with regards to musicals, my parents often watch musicals during their free time as a form of relaxation and spending time with each other. Not once, not twice but on a frequent occurrence, my brother and I were often left to our own devices while they went out to watch numerous musicals. Ranging from Cats, Phantom of the Opera, South Pacific and many others. 

As for my family, my grandfather has always been wanting us to expand our horizon and experience different forms of art and took us to watch plays and musicals. Such as Shakes Sphere and Annie. I'm sure that many Singaporeans across the different generations also share the same sentiments and want to explore and learn more about it too.

One reason I feel is the Covid-19 situation. Due to Covid, our friends from other countries would not be able to travel here as tourists which causes the decrease in tourism in Singapore. Singaporeans would learn in school about their own country's history, hence we seldom head to the museum during our free time but it would be different when there a foreign friend with us. We would want to show them around Singapore, to the different iconic places we have. And also bring them to the Singapore Museum so that they can learn more about Singapore's history like when Singapore became independent or during Japanese Occupation. This would be the only time we willingly want to go to the Museum as we want our foreign friends to know more about Singapore. The only time i went to the museum was during a primary 5 school trip to the Singapore Museum, my memory for it isn't clear. I only remember visiting a collection of broken ceramic bowls and coins from the Qing dynasty in China. I was deeply attracted to China's history, hence i stayed there walking around and only reluctantly leave after my teacher called me.

Another reason would be our interest towards art. Singaporeans nowadays are attracted by the different things on social media, be it Instagram posts or tik tok videos. It comes to a certain extent that our interest for art would die off as we are attracted to the internet. For example, during the weekend when we normally have time to go out or during public holidays, I would choose to stay at home with my phone, lying down in my comfy bed, together with the cold breeze from the air-conditioning. This is what I call life for me. But this is not always the case, instead I would also head to the library with my friend to revise some of the subjects that I am weak in. During holidays, my friends and I would choose to spend our time having fun at the beach or going out to play escape room. As you can see, we don't choose going to the museum or art gallery as they do not pick our interest. Hence, I believe as we grow older, and when technology advances to a higher state, there would seldom be people going to the museum. 

For the few that enjoy going to art activities like the museum or art gallery, I believe they are either an artist or someone that has great interest in historic context. They would choose to explore the museum during their free time as they want to know more about the different art pieces, what is the history of this artist, why he chose to draw this art and what feeling is he trying the express in his art piece. 

Lastly, I feel that regardless of anyone in the country, be it the one that likes art activities or those who dislike art activities, we should all be more willing to explore the different art cultures we have in Singapore. Some art pieces may also attract those that do not like art to know more about it, who knows. 

All in all, I think that majority number of people in Singapore are not interested in art activities 

Museums are not that popular because they are not seen as fun and interesting. They are usually seen as a place where people go and learn about history and cultural of either their own country and not have fun. Majority do not visit museums as firstly, they feel that they do not need to visit museums just to appreciate art or history. Instead, they prefer to learn it in other ways. Another reason why majority do not visit museums is because there is little appreciation for the history and cultural of Singapore. For example the Singapore National Gallery. It is the most popular museum that everyone would visit but those who do not like history, would only go to the museum for the interesting events that they host. For instance, the doraemon exhibition. The doraemon exhibition took place last year from 5 November to this year 5 February, at the national museum. Many people paid and went to look at the exhibition. The museum was packed with people at that point of time but majority of the crowd there was for the doraemon exhibition rather than the history part of the museum. Nowadays there are not as many people who truly appreciate the cultural, history and art of Singapore’s past. These museums are rather viewed as places for tourist despite the fact that more Singaporeans should visit these museums to truly get a feel of how Singapore was like and how precious our culture is. 

 

Plays like musical and operas are on the same level as museums. Now that technology is developing all around us, people spend more time staying at home and watch shows online rather than spending the time going out to the theatre. Many might find that musicals and operas are not as compelling as movies due to the different level of action. For instance, when I was in Primary 6, my school brought us to watch a Chinese play called ‘Monkey King’ which many would know for their famous mischievous monkey. As we went to the theatre, I saw that many of the seats were taken up by students whose schools brought them to watch the play. Watching the play allows me to feel the difference between a play acted on stage and a movie played on the screen. It’s effects may be different but more people are interested in watching shows with more action and visual effects rather than people acting it out on stage which does not really bring the vibes of an action show. Even though the play was broadcasted online a few years back, the teachers still brought us to the theater to give us a feel of how it is like rather than keeping us in school watching it online. 

All in all, Singaporeans should really start to realise that these plays and museums are important in the education of our history and culture. Hopefully in the future these museums will continue to stand and become even more popular, serving as a monument for our past.  

Firstly, participating in art activities such as visiting a museum or watching a play, is quite costly. For example, an entry ticket to visit a museum can cost up to forty dollars! I believe that most Singaporeans will agree when I say that that amount of money could be spent on other things, such as new clothes or a book, which to many, is more worth the money than visiting a museum. Therefore, many Singaporeans will find participating in art activities expensive and thus dislike participating in art activities.  

Secondly, it is because many Singaporeans find art activities not entertaining and not thrilling as compared to other activities. Since a young age, Singaporeans are not heavily exposed to art activities, especially with the covid situation that hindered schools and organizations from allowing them to bring Singaporeans out for act activities. This has thus led the younger generations of Singaporeans to be uninterested in such activities. Though Singaporeans may have countless opportunities to participate in art activities, they may have grown up surrounded by more entertaining activities. Hence, they may cast aside the thought of participating in art activities to participate in activities that have a thrill factor, for example activities like sports and video gaming. To many, such activities are more engaging than sitting down in a theatre.  To add on, social media is an option. Proven by the many Singaporeans who are engrossed in their devices, staring at their screens for hours a day, the content of social media is definitely captivating and entertaining. Therefore, many will not see art activities as a better source of entertainment. 

Of course, there are definitely some Singaporeans who are interested in art activities and thoroughly enjoy and look forward to the experience, such as myself. I do find art activities engaging, for example when I was brought to watch a play about Pinocchio. Though entertaining, participating in art activities is something that I will not do regularly due to the reason for it being costly. However, since I have not participated in any art activities recently, I plan on participating in at least one after my O-levels this year. 

To conclude, though many Singaporeans are not interested in art activities such as visiting a museum or watching a play, I hope that more opportunities will arise for Singaporeans to participate in art activities and find out that it can be as equally or even more exciting than other activities.

To a certain extent, yes.  I would say some people in my country expressed interest in art activities such as visiting museum or watching a play. Conversely, there will be a handful of people who have no interest in these activities. 

Singapore is a well diversified country which comprises of people from different backgrounds, race, religions and cultures. By visiting museums, people from different backgrounds can gain more insight and have a deeper understanding of the history of the past, cultures and customs people practised here in Singapore. Many foreigners living in Singapore would have visited the Singapore’s Musuem to find out more about Singapore’s provenance, learn more about their new environment, to better adapt to the new environment. 

For example, a friend of mine, who came from China, Shanghai, Jing Xuan whom I met during my tuition class, likes to visit museums. She had visited many Singapore’s museum for instance, the Chinatown’s Heritage site to learn more about the early Chinatown’s settler, Asian civilization museum to discover more about rich history about the connection between Asia and Singapore. By uncovering the history, she will be able to appreciate more about others cultures, traditions and connect better with people around her. The other friend of mine, who is a crazy fan of science, enjoys visiting the Singapore Science Musuem to explore more about the interesting science facts around us and get to experience first hand. 

Not only does my friends enjoy art activities, my family is also one of them. Singapore Chinese Cultural Center, is one of the frequent cultural centre we often visit to watch plays performed by the talented performers. A play, not only provides us with entertainment but allow us to learn more about the abundant chinese history and more about our own roots, ancestors through their play.

There are many people around us who appreciates the different forms of arts and have expressed their interest in involving themselves with art activities such as watching a play at the theatre, visiting museums. But there will always be some who don’t appreciate art. For instance, I’ve known people who visit art museums just to take nice aesthetic photographs. They are generally not interested in the arts. 

To sum up, I believed that everyone should be familiar with their own roots and should at least have some general knowledge on the origin of their culture. Museum, will be the best way to expand people's horizon and strengthening their understanding of their own belief.

Firstly, I noticed that Singaporeans often attend art festivals and events, such as the Singapore Arts Festival that is held every January, that brings together local and international artists to present exhibitions, art fairs, and talks. And the Singapore Writers Festival, an event that features both local and international writers. It includes book launches, writing workshops and poetry readings. These events showcase a diverse range of artistic expressions, providing opportunities for the public to experience and appreciate different art forms.

Secondly, the theaters in Singapore is also well-developed, with numerous local and international productions staged throughout the years. Like the Esplanade Theatre on the Bay is a prominent performing arts center that hosts a variety of music and dance performances. And the Victoria Concert Hall which is well-known for its grand architecture and is a popular choice for performances, musicals, and concerts. Additionally, there are also many more good theaters across Singapore that cater to different artistic tastes.

Personally, when my parents have time they would pull me to the museum to look at the history of Singapore. It started when I was in primary school. At first I hated going to those museums as I felt that it was totally a waste of time. But after awhile I find myself getting immersed into the history of Singapore as I gained more insight on it. From then on whenever I am free, I would beg my parents to bring me to places like Fort Canning Park and Central Defense Heritage Gallery for a visit to understand more about what happened during World War 2. Even when we go overseas like China, we would spend a whole day visiting the  forbidden city, Gu Gong and National Museum of China at Beijing to experience their history. I have learnt stuff such as what happened during the Opium Wars and civil war between communist and people republic.

To sum this up, although interests can vary among individuals, Singaporeans have a significant level of interest and engagement in art activities among the population.

Firstly, many Singaporeans are uninterested in art activities as they may be more preoccupied with playing online games or scrolling through social media. They may think that visiting a museum is dull as it holds overwhelming history that just does not peak their interest. Additionally, they are seen as a place where people go to learn about history and culture, but not to have fun. 

Secondly, most of my friends do go to museums but they are not there to learn the history and culture. Instead, they go to museums to take pictures because of the interior designs and details that are aesthetically pleasing to the eye. For example, a museum that became really popular for a period of time was the Ice Cream museum. It attracted a lot of visitors because of the intriguing offers. The free unlimited flow of various flavored ice cream that they could enjoy. There was even a disco room that was a popular photo spot. It would be occupied by many and they would need to wait for some time to have the room for themselves. There were many interactive sections in the ice cream museum that would keep you entertained. Eventually, they drifted away from the history of ice cream. Resulting in them spending more time on taking pictures and having a blast. Surprisingly, the one thing that they could takeaway from the museum trip was that ice cream is invented in China.

Lastly, I will talk about the handful who are interested in art activities. I for one am interested in them. I admire the meaning and techniques artists put into their artwork to convey words through their art. The time and effort they put into their artworks are commendable. For example, my friend, Denise, invited me to watch a ballet performance with her. I jumped at the opportunity and agreed joyfully. The ballet performance was held at Esplanade theatre and it would be my first time there. I’ve only seen the theatre in pictures but how different it was to see the place with my very own eyes. My eyes sparkled at how grand and vast the place was. Bright lights illuminated the theatre and there were rows and rows of seats at different levels. A huge stage with velvet red curtains falling over it which hid a masterpiece. Images were projected on the curtains to start the story and not long after, it parted to reveal the first scene. Set in Spain, Don Quixote tells a story of love, betrayal, and eternal devotion. The dazzling, humorous and virtuosic ballet sets out on a series of chivalrous acts, whimsical twists, and proof that love conquers all. It’s a glittering showstopper, with sparkling technique and an incredible cast of toreadors, flamenco dancers, and dryads. After that breathtaking performance, I was even more hooked in art activities. If you asked me whether I would watch more of such plays, it would be a definite yes!

In conclusion, majority of people in Singapore may not be very interested in art activities, such as visiting a museum or watching a play. However, I think interest in art is being encouraged as we could learn a thing or two from it.

the majority of the singaporean’s that are not interested in art activities are normally too preoccupied with their hectic daily life to make time for art activities. they have a 9 to 5 job on weekdays and the duty of visiting family gathering on weekends which will leave them no time to be interested nor intrigued by art activities.

to the majority of singaporean, going to art activities in singapore such as museum also might just seem like a waste of time to visit and see something that they had already known about since young through school textbook knowledge. as for going to plays some might have the stereotype that singapore’s entertainment industry is not worth the time spent watching due to the lack of skills hence why they usually avoid singapore’s art industry.

however there are moments especially when singaporean’s are overseas when they are intrigued and interested in art activities as to them museums and plays can help them learn more and understand the country that they are visiting‘s history. since they also have more time to relax and to spend on visiting and learning more about other countries culture i believe that they would definitely more willing to art activities in that sense.

personally i as a singaporean am not interested in art activities due to the busy life of students nowadays, they is barely any time left to enjoy the simplicity and exquisiteness of art. weekdays are filled with extra curriculum classes and weekends are filled with family gatherings hence leaving me no time to appreciate art. i also find art activities in singapore unnecessary and a waste of time to visit just to learn more about our culture when singapore’s culture is already all around us. for example hawker centres or parks where they explain the singapore culture and past, hence why i am not interested in art activities as well.

all in all although majority of the singaporean’s would not be interested in singapore’s art activities they are interested in other countries art activities as they barely have knowledge of others as compared to our country’s.

One reason as to why many locals do not visit museums is because it is simply difficult to understand the exhibitions. As much as they may look nice and all, many of us only see the piece on a surface level. We don’t see the deeper meaning behind the art work and we quickly become clueless, especially when the exhibit is abstract. 

Another reason is because many locals do not follow the art scene in Singapore. As Singapore is still relatively small and is still growing, many people aren’t familiar with the different local artist and their works, making it hard to locals to resonate with the artist. 

As for watching plays, there is a bigger group of people who appreciate such plays. However this group is still smaller compared to majority who do not watch plays. 

Watching a play is easier to understand as it tells a story through emotions, acting and dialogues, unlike the lifeless paintings in a museum. Watching a play allows people to follow along easily as people will be able to have a physical connection with the actors. I remember once when I was in Secondary 1, my Literature teacher had brought us to watch a play “Emily of Emerald Hill”. The play was about the life of a poor girl who marries into a rich Straits- Chinese family. Through the play, I was able to feel the emotions of the actor and the struggles she faced with her family. It was certainly an eye opener and I truly enjoyed myself through the play. 

However, there are also plays which were hard to understand and this is why many people aren’t interested in watching plays. Firstly, some of there plays require some appreciation of a certain type of music. One example is the Phantom of the Opera. With zero appreciation or opera or classical music, it was difficult to understand what the actors are trying to say. Another reason is because plays aren’t as accessible as compared to watching a movie or TV- series. We have to wait for new productions to be posted unlike a sit-comedy where new episodes are being posted ever few days. And so, many people aren’t able to wait for new plays. 

Though the people in Singapore may not be as active in the art scene as compared to other countries like France, more and more people are defiantly being more open to the different arts in Singapore.

Firstly, some of them simply perceived the artwork as random drawings as they were unable to understand its significance. My parents once expressed great confusion and thought that the artwork was just drawings put together when I took them to the Singapore National Museum. I think that's quite true as if they do not understand what they are seeing, they will lose interest and find it boring. Hence, they do not find visiting the museum enjoyable.

Second, some of them might not enjoy the crowded environment when many people gather in a single spot simply to view the artwork or to snap photos or selfies with them. Some people might prefer to enjoy the artwork by themselves rather than gather with a throng. It isn't the point of visiting a museum to see other people's backs or just a side of the artwork, making them irritable. It would be pointless to travel there then. As a result, individuals might prefer to view a clearer version of the artwork online rather than going to the museum.

Finally, even though the majority of people are not interested in art activities, there are some that are since they might find inspiration in the artworks or even in the play. Museums may be a fantastic resource for teaching students about the past. They can also help students to think critically and creatively as well as encourage them to think beyond the box. Whereas for the play, I could see different people’s action, face expressions and even the effect. As an art student completing coursework for the o'levels, I had to manipulate and draw a lot to come up with the different layouts. Noting being able to come out with interesting drawing, making me frustrated and not able to meet the date requirement. I would definitely need some inspiration for this and can find it by looking at the many artwork exhibitions at the museum rather than just using our own thinking skills. Therefore, going for art activities would be fascinating for those looking for inspiration.

In conclusion, the majority in Singapore are not interested in art activities such as visiting the museum or watching the play. However, we can learn something new from art activities and make it an enjoyable one. 

Some may find art activities wasteful and boring. Who wants to spend money just to look at randomly made up paintings or watch people perform when they can just look it up in the internet for free? Because of that, they rather make use of their time to do something else they find much more of their interest. 

I have been in museums and the places felt like a wonderland. Beautiful abstract pieces everywhere and people of older ages looking at every one of them. I feel like it is an amazing place where artists show their creativity to the world. In conclusion, I think art activities is not for everyone and it depends on the level on interest one has towards it. 

According to them, with a normal 9 to 5 career, we are nothing but the mere puppets of larger corporations or a boss who makes five times the salary that we do. Being a street artist or performer, the chains of curtailment are broken and the liberating freedom of self-expression and being your own boss can become a reality. There’s no authoritative voice dictating when you have to perform or when you have to be there on the street. This liberation from a life on monotonous repetition is already reason enough for some of my friends to consider a life as a street artist or performer. 

Not to mention, you can also bring joy and liveliness to a dull and depressing neighbourhood. Be it a commission from the government to paint murals under HDB blocks to brighten up living spaces or busking on the streets of Orchard Road to provide local entertainment to all who are passing by, you’re sure to bring a smile to someone’s face or make their day just a little brighter. In Singapore, the government frequently commissions street artists to paint beautiful artistic murals on HDB walls and public spaces. While this is a new initiative, it is sure to carry on far into the future, providing both aspiring artists and those who are renowned in the field a platform to display their talents and bring life to the country.

Lastly, being a street performer, or a busker as it is more commonly known, tells a story of self, people and culture. It goes beyond the talents of oneself, but puts on full display a collection of history and culture. In today’s modern world, certain arts are being forgotten as more and more people are looking on to the future, yet leaving behind their heritage. Busking in our streets exposes the masses to an art form and revitalises it, ensuring that it isn’t forgotten. Even I can relate somewhat to this point. There are often buskers camping near the exit of AMK Hub, and their performances draw large crowds that gather around to immerse themselves in the world of the busker. This has allowed me to discover new forms of art and explore the heritage of the street busker. 

To conclude, there are points of interest on both ends of the spectrum. However, what we choose to become is up to us in the end. It all comes to what we care about in a career, be it money, status or simply to enjoy. 

As you know many parents would hope for their children to pursue a successful career, such as doctors, lawyers and accountants.  However, being a street artist is not a stable job that can provide a constant and reliable source of income unlike other everyday jobs such as a nurse that is a necessity everywhere in the world or a 9-5 desk job that can provide consistent income. Especially if it’s your main source of income, some will barely be able to support themselves. It’ll be even worse if they were the breadwinners of their family. Causing them to feel that it’s quite difficult to make ends meet. Take for example, there is a magician who often performs on the weekends at orchard road. He is constantly able to gather a  big crowd that awaits curiously as to what may happen next. However, people often give only a dollar coin and sometimes not even anything at all. 

Another factor that comes into play will be how society views street performers. To put it bluntly, it is often seen as a job whereby people who do not have the ability to get a proper job, will resort to performing on the streets. Often times, people rarely look up to street artists and think of it as a lowly job. Some feel that street performers also known as people who do busking, are people who have no sense of direction in life. The elderly normally have negative sentiments towards people who busk for a living. Although its common that there would be crowds of people watching them perform, but more often than not, people would only think of it as a form of free entertainment. Many friends their age would also think that street performers lack ambition and drive because they don’t have a ‘proper job’. These somewhat insolent remarks make me feel that street performers deserve the respect that each and everyone of us receive.  

Singapore is especially known for it’s horrible weather conditions. As Singapore is situated near the equator, our temperature levels can hover around at least thirty five degrees everyday, causing discomfort when staying out under the blazing hot sun for a long period of time. Heavy downpours too happen when we least expect it, which results in significant inconvenience to Singaporeans. As for street artists and performers, these harsh weather conditions would affect them the most. For example, one can look at the weather report and see that it’s a supposedly sunny day. Upon trusting these weather reports, they go ahead and set up their stations at their busking spots, ready to display their talents for passerby's to witness. However, it can suddenly start raining cats and dogs, causing a pause to their performance and having to seek shelter. Hence, these weather conditions do affect a street performer’s business greatly. On top of that, bad weather conditions would also mean lesser income earned, and hence serves as a disadvantage.

All in all, although living as a street artist or street performer does sound rather interesting and unique, there are more to this than meets the eye, and hence it does not appeal to me.

Firstly, being a street artist allows you to have flexible working hours and locations. Street artists would usually choose to perform during peak hours or the weekends as there would be a larger crowd. For example, during the weekends there will be a massive crowd fascinated by their performance in front of Takashimaya at Orchard. Street performers benefit from the crowd as when people are interested, most of them would donate a dollar or two to the performers as a way of saying ‘Great performance! Good job! Here are some tips for your stunning performance!’ Street performers do not only consist of people performing stunts but also singers who would sing along the walkway with a guitar or piano, with their fellow band members. For instance, at the underpass linking from Ion Orchard to Isetan, there is a guitarist who would sing different pop songs and there would be some passers-by who would sing along with him, swaying with the beat.    

Secondly, being a street artist can brighten up people’s day. Street art brings around life in the city as it adds character and complexity to what otherwise may be a boring place. The street art around us brings colours to our mundane life. The street artist’s art and performance can bring a smile to our faces or at least help people destress simply by looking at it. For example, a caricature artist in Orchard sells and draws portraits of passers-by. These portraits can make people’s day better and it is a way for street artist to showcase their incredible talents. Street artist will also be able to make quite a bit of money from these portraits. Although the income may be inconsistent or they may not make as much money as lawyers or doctors, it is the joy that they bring to people that matters, amidst the hustle and bustle of life.

Art allows street artists to express themselves freely. I’m sure many people know about graffiti. It is a form of street art decorating our walls and buildings with vibrant colours. For example, Kampong Glam has many graffiti paintings on the walls of shophouses and buildings along the road and usually there are many people, including tourists, going there to take a picture and post on their social media. Some of the graffiti drawn on the walls would bring back memories of the past and evoke a sense of nostalgia. The artists of the graffiti may not be well-known amongst people, but when they see their artwork being popular and featured on social media, they would feel a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Therefore, there are plenty of reasons why my friends oppose my view. They feel that it is better for one to pursue their interest and do what they love. Being a street artist or performer may not earn you much but at least you are able to choose your working hours and location, bring joy to people and express yourselves to the world through your artwork.

Firstly, the financial instability that comes with working as a street artist is a huge turn away. There are several factors that affect a street performer’s income. The weather, the ability to attract audiences as well as the generosity of the audience are just a few. Busking usually takes place in open places, like the streets of Orchard Road. This means that  weather conditions are very important to street performers. If the weather becomes too hot and starts to become unpleasant for street performers, I wouldn’t want to be in their shoes and would stop performing. Secondly, if it starts raining, street performances would most likely halt, while performers and audience struggle to find shelter. This proves that weather can affect the income of street performers, hence making their income unstable as weather conditions can be unpredictable.

 Another factor that could affect the income of street performers is the size of the audience. Everybody has different preferences, and some would appreciate performances put out as much as others might, thus, they may not be able to attract enough attention with their skills. By not attracting enough attention, there may not be enough of an audience to donate money to them, hence unfortunately also contributing to the income instability street artists experience. In my opinion, the biggest factor affecting a street artist’s income is the generosity of the audience. The donations from the audience are the performer’s main source of income. If the audience donates a tiny amount, the performer would thus earn a small amount. If the audience are generous, however, the artist would earn quite a profit, evidently showing the possibilities in regular income fluctuations for these street performers.

Additionally, the way the community might see me is another reason why I would not choose to be a street performer - lazy, and unsuccessful. To date, it is ubiquitous that that street performers do not have a “ reliable”  income as compared to those working as office workers or a doctors - some examples of what our society stereotypically refers to as “ proper jobs “. In the harsh reality, there will definitely be a number of people who would openly express their discontentment toward these artists. For example, some parents would even intentionally stroll past these performers and blatantly warn their children to “ study hard and not end up like these people “, or “ Only uneducated people have improper jobs like these “. These comments are disheartening, and I do hope the community would learn to be more welcoming to these street artists or performers who are simply trying to earn a living.  At the end of the day, I would still not be enthralled by being a street performer or artist as I prefer not to receive any hate because of how I make a living.

  He first told me about the mix of passion and work ethic. He actually is a Saxophonist and has expressed an interest in pursuing a musical career. However, he didn’t just want to read scores all day and perform in a band. He wanted to play his own songs and perform music that he wishes to share with others. He likes old 80s to 90s music like ‘Fly Me to the Moon’. Being a street performer will allow him to pursue his fascination with music and earn money along with it. Singapore is known for being a technologically advanced country and many students study subjects that deal with engineering and mathematics. Perhaps actually being able to find a stable income while also mixing with his lifelong passion for music. Though it may seem like a scary thing to do at first, putting all you bets on one job that may or may not succeed. I have seen cases of people attracting large crowds along Orchard Road and gaining atleast five dollars after every performance. That has to be as much as few hundred dollars every day if people are generous enough. Mixing that with artistic passion and it definitely makes for a job that one can get used to.

Being a street performer isn’t as boring as it seems, everyday we will encounter people from different backgrounds. Some may enjoy street art but some may not. As a street performer, there are chances where our performance helps to cure the broken hearts of people or brighten the day of people. We believe music and art can help cure people feelings as it understands the feeling of people. Perhaps we meet people with the same interest as us. Gerald said he wouldn’t mind starting a street band should he encounter someone who shares the same passion along the way. Or maybe we can trend on social media with our performances and artworks. Tourist are known for filming everything when visiting places, if you manage to attract their attention then your efforts would not have been for naught. Spreading you artworks and promoting your performances and pieces

 Freelancers like street artists have more advantages than employees employed by a company. Freelancers can enjoy privileges such as flexible working hours. They can exercise a healthy balance between working hours and their lifestyles, increasing their work productivity. This is something employees working in a company find struggles to do so as they have to abide by the contractual working hours, following their mundane routine. Being a street performer or artist mean you can be your own boss, you make your own decisions and do not need to feel pressured by others to get work done. The freedom of such a job is surely enough to get anyone excited about it.

In a nutshell, though street artists job might not sound appealing to many but  little do people know, the important role street artists plays in the community. Although they might not earn as many as others do, they still earn a certain amount of income to be able to suffice themselves without going hunger. I respect my friend’s ideas and no matter what I will support him. Who knows? maybe he was right after all

Firstly, the income a street artist receives is unstable compared to that of a corporate employee. In an office job, a monthly salary is guaranteed, and in fact, mandated by the government. There is a security, compared to the income of a street performer or artist. A street performer depends on the generosity of his or her audience, and not just their favor. One could merely stand by the side watching a street performance, singing along, waving flashlights but yet at the same time be not willing to drop a coin or two into the offering box. This is provided that the street performer would even be able to attract an audience. Should people not find the performance interesting, the performer wouldn’t be able to grab anybody’s attention, and would not earn a single dollar. Some factors wouldn’t even be in his control- if it rains, a street wouldn’t be able to perform; if it’s too hot, there would be no audience. For me, there are simply too risks involved that repels me from choosing to be a street performer. I’d prefer a stable and secure source of income, even if that meant I wouldn’t be working in an industry of my interest.

Another reason is many’s perspective is one that stations street performers and artists at an equivalent status as that of ‘beggars’. What many see is a casually-dressed shamelessly begging for people’s money. Street performers are also often viewed as lazy people who couldn’t or weren’t willing to study hard and get a proper, decent job. This view is shared by most of our parents, and especially given that we’re Asians, their definition of what a ‘career’ is is strictly confined to an employment at a well-established corporation. For me, I wouldn’t buy into this perspective, but I can understand where they’re coming from. Street performing is an unconventional job in a sense, especially because one wouldn’t be part of a company and there’s no dress code, no office, and no employer except for yourself. Because of this view, many, shun and shame street performers and artists, and for some parents, they’d be willing to do the same to their own children too. In such a world where street performers and artists are shone in such bad light, I wouldn’t want to snatch the center spot of the stage. 

Lastly, street performers and street artists often don’t enjoy the benefits a person working in a conventional office job has such as paid time off, health insurance and retirement benefits. Without health insurance, accompanied by the fact that some street performers might not be able to qualify for government assistance, a lot of them would have to bear any medical costs they incur themselves. And the fact that street performers and artists have an unstable income doesn’t make things any better. What’s worse, because they are not employed under any  companies, they wouldn’t enjoy the privilege of paid medical leave. For a street performer, a day off can mean about a hundred dollars lost in income. This can result in street performers having to put their jobs over their health,performing even when they’re sick, as they couldn’t afford healthcare coverage. Throughout his carrer as a street performer, he isn’t required to contribute 20% of his income to his provident fund account, and upon reaching the retirement age, he wouldn’t have enough for retirement. This can mean additional years of working, either a street performer or something else. 

As much as I am interested in singing, playing instruments, painting and drawing, I don’t think I would like to make it my career in the future. There are simply too many risks attached with this career path, and I’d have to follow my mind and not my heart here.