Imagine your meticulously designed products or uniquely creative artworks taking center stage on the global stage, with most exhibition costs covered by the government. Sounds appealing, doesn’t it?
In Singapore, this isn’t a dream—it’s reality. Whether you’re a furniture designer, tourism business, visual artist, or community arts group, Singapore’s government and related agencies offer a range of exhibition grants and funding programs to save you money and hassle at domestic and international shows.
Today, we’ll explore how these “money-making” exhibition grants work and how you can apply to minimize your exhibition budget pressure.
I. Singapore’s Exhibition Subsidy Hub:
Who’s Supporting You?
In Singapore, exhibition subsidies are primarily provided by government agencies, supplemented by industry associations and cultural organizations. Key players include:
1. Enterprise Singapore (ESG)
Primarily supports trade exhibitions and international trade missions, helping businesses promote products to overseas markets.
2. Singapore Tourism Board (STB)
Focuses on tourism industry exhibitions, offering tax and promotional support through official accreditation programs for high-quality events.
3. National Arts Council (NAC)
Provides funding for arts and cultural exhibitions, supporting artists and organizations in hosting diverse events.
4. Ministry of Community, Culture, and Youth (MCCY)
Funds community arts and heritage exhibitions through the OurSG Fund.
5. People’s Association (PA) and Community Development Councils (CDCs)
Collaborate with NAC to offer the WeCare Arts Fund, enabling social service organizations to host arts activities for vulnerable groups.
6. Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC)
Focuses on promoting Chinese cultural exhibitions and events, providing venues and promotional support for related projects.
From commerce to the arts, from local to international, Singapore offers comprehensive exhibition support across nearly every category, with one clear goal: help exhibitors spend less while making a bigger impact.
Source: Lianhe Zaobao
II. Key Exhibition Grant Programs:
Making Every Dollar Count
1. LEAD International Exhibition and Business Mission Grant (LEAD IFM Grant)
Eligibility: Locally registered enterprises, particularly in furniture, design, and tourism sectors.
Overview: Provided by ESG to support companies participating in international exhibitions, covering booth rental, setup, and promotional expenses. Subsidy up to 50%, with a maximum booth area of 36 sqm.
① Eligibility Criteria:
The company must be registered in Singapore with at least 30% local ownership.
The exhibition project must not have commenced (no payments made to suppliers or contracts signed).
An administrative fee is required (SFIC members: S$800; non-members: S$1,600).
② Application Process:
Contact the industry association (e.g., Singapore Furniture Industry Council SFIC) to confirm exhibition eligibility.
Submit application form and supporting documents (budget, booth design, etc.).
After the exhibition, submit expense reports and proof of outcomes for reimbursement.
② Processing Time: Approximately 90 days.
Practical Tip: Companies participating in FIND – Design Fair Asia are prime beneficiaries of LEAD IFM. This program enables businesses to showcase their designs on the international stage at Marina Bay Sands at a reduced cost.
Source: Lianhe Zaobao
2. Approved International Exhibition Scheme (AIF)
Eligibility: STB-certified international exhibitions, tourism, and other industry enterprises.
Overview: The AIF program provides official recognition for high-quality exhibitions, offering financial incentives such as Double Tax Deduction (DTD) or 9% GST exemption, alongside non-financial support like promotion and venue coordination.
① Eligibility Criteria
The exhibition must obtain STB’s AIF certification.
The company must demonstrate that participation will generate economic benefits or international influence.
② Application Process
Confirm whether the exhibition is AIF-certified (check STB’s official website).
Submit tax deduction applications to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) or contact STB.
Highlight: ITB Asia exemplifies an AIF event. Travel companies gain market exposure while enjoying tax deductions, maximizing budget efficiency.
3. National Arts Council Exhibition and Participation Grant (P&P)
Eligible Applicants: Individual artists, non-profit arts organizations, collectives, or groups.
Overview: Supports exhibitions and festivals in visual arts, performing arts, literature, and related fields, including online events. Funding covers partial project costs, with projects required to promote artistic diversity and public engagement.
① Application Process
Download the NAC application form and submit a project proposal, budget, and supporting documents.
A self-assessment report must be submitted upon project completion.
② Processing Time: Approximately 6-8 weeks.
Source: Lianhe Zaobao
4. OurSG Fund
Eligible Applicants: Community art exhibitions, heritage exhibitions, festivals, and publications.
Funding Method: Apply online via OurSG Grants Portal. Funding covers partial or full costs, with priority given to non-profit organizations, institutions, or social enterprises.
① Eligibility Criteria
Projects must promote community cohesion or cultural heritage.
Apply online using CorpPass.
② Processing Time: Typically within 90 days.
Reference Cases: Community museum exhibitions and heritage cultural festivals may receive funding through OurSG Fund.
5. WeCare Arts Fund@CDC
Eligible Recipients: Social service organizations collaborating with artists to provide arts activities for vulnerable groups.
Funding Scope: Direct project costs (e.g., materials, venue fees), prioritizing social impact over commercial profit.
Eligibility: Registered social service organizations or self-help groups with projects serving vulnerable groups.
Application Process: Submit CorpPass application via OurSG Grants Portal with budget and project details.
6. Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) Arts Support Framework
Eligible Applicants: Art exhibitions or events promoting Chinese culture.
Funding Format: Provision of exhibition space, administrative facilities, or promotional support (non-cash grants).
Eligibility: Projects must engage youth participation or feature cross-cultural/interdisciplinary elements.
Application Process: Submit proposals to SCCC; selected projects will refine plans through discussions with the team.
Source: Lianhe Zaobao
III. Key Considerations for Exhibition Grant Applications
1. Plan Ahead
Most grants require projects to be in the pre-launch phase; apply 30–90 days in advance.
2. Document Preparation
Include project plan, budget, registration proof, portfolio, and past project records.
3. Reimbursement Mechanism
Most grants (e.g., LEAD IFM, AIF) operate on reimbursement basis, requiring expense receipts and outcome reports.
4. Tax Incentives
Double tax relief for AIF exhibitions requires application to IRAS.
5. Consultation Channels
For commercial exhibitions, contact STB/ESG; for art exhibitions, contact NAC/OurSG; for Chinese cultural projects, contact SCCC.
Tip: Pre-confirm the exhibition type (commercial or art) and clarify funding eligibility to save significant time and effort.
Source: Lianhe Zaobao
IV. Practical Case Study:
Implementing Exhibition Subsidies
1. FIND – Design Fair Asia
September 11-13, 2025, Marina Bay Sands
Funding: Apply for LEAD IFM through SFIC for up to 50% booth fee subsidy.
Suitable for: Furniture, interior design, and construction industry enterprises.
Insight: Many SMEs have successfully exhibited using this funding, freeing up substantial costs for new product promotion and customer acquisition.
2. ITB Asia (International Tourism Fair)
Funding: AIF-certified event offering DTD and GST exemptions.
Suitable for: Tourism industry enterprises.
Operational Tip: Verify AIF certification status before exhibiting and prepare tax application materials in advance.
3. Singapore Art Week
Funding: NAC P&P Grant or OurSG Fund.
Suitable for: Visual and performing arts practitioners.
Practical advice: Artists should submit project proposals 2-3 months in advance, preparing detailed budgets and portfolios to secure approval.
Source: Lianhe Zaobao
Conclusion: Subsidies Lighten Your Exhibition Load
Singapore’s exhibition subsidies serve not only as cost-reduction tools but also as catalysts for market expansion, enhanced international influence, and cultural dissemination. Whether you’re a commercial enterprise or an arts organization, understanding various funding programs, planning budgets wisely, and preparing application materials in advance will maximize funding efficiency and turn exhibition dreams into reality.
Policies and funding amounts may adjust annually. Be sure to obtain the latest information through official channels, plan ahead, and proceed steadily. Your creativity, works, and products deserve to be seen on the global stage, and Singapore’s exhibition grants serve as your solid “financial backing.”