*Update* 11 September 2020

*Update* 17 June 2020

Launched on 7 April 2020, Pasar Glamour Art Aid has raised over S$136,000 to provide financial assistance to freelance and self-employed performing arts workers, who have lost jobs in the Singapore theatre, dance and music scene due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The fund provides a grant of S$500 to those in urgent financial need.

The original target of raising S$100,000 was achieved within the first three days of the campaign, thanks to an overwhelming show of support. As the fundraised amount has exceeded expectations, the campaign is no longer receiving donations at this time.

Of the total amount raised, S$25,000 was donated directly by Pasar Glamour from monies previously raised through our 2019 pre-loved charity sale . The other S$111,000 were gifts from staunch supporters of the Singapore arts scene, as well as public donations received through the charitable crowdfunding platform, Ray of Hope.

Our heartfelt thanks to all our donors who gave so generously, as well as to the many artists and celebrities, who helped promote the cause on social media through the #helpperformingarts challenge. Special thanks to the Ray of Hope team, who have provided us with the necessary administrative support.

To date, Pasar Glamour Art Aid has disbursed 151 grants of S$500, and a total of S$75,500 has been distributed to freelance performing arts practitioners in financial need. As we still have some funds remaining, second round of grant applications is now opened.

If you are a freelance performing arts practitioner, who has lost work in 2020 due to Covid-19 measures, do read on to find out if you’re eligible, and click below to apply.

Our best,

Janice Koh, Pam Oei, and Petrina Kow

Co-founders, Pasar Glamour

Grant Application

Grant amount

One-off grant of S$500.

Who can apply

Singaporean & PR self-employed (SEP) or freelance practitioners working in the performing arts sector, who have suffered loss of income due to cancelled or postponed projects arising from Covid-19 measures. These include performers, dancers, musicians, designers, technical and production crew, directors, choreographers, producers and playwrights.

We are specifically looking to help those working in the Singapore theatre, dance, and music scene, who were engaged for projects that were unexpectedly cancelled or postponed.

Please note that educators, full-time students and those currently in full-time employment are not eligible for this grant. Previously successful applicants of Pasar Glamour Art Aid may not re-apply.

How to apply

Applicants must fill in the application form, and provide the following supporting documents:

1. Proof of previous paid work in theatre, dance or music between July 2019 – Jan 2020 (Eg. contracts or payslips);
2. Proof of income loss in 2020 as a result of Covid-19 measures (Eg. contract, letter of offer, email correspondence);
3. Income declaration, including IRAS Tax statement and bank statements;
4. Details of dependants relying on your income in your household;

As our funds are limited, we hope you understand that priority will be given to those who bear heavier financial burdens, or who are deemed to be in urgent financial need.

Deadline for submissions is 17 July 2020. Applicants will be informed of the outcome by 31 July 2020.

PASAR GLAMOUR ART AID – FAQS

1. I am a performing arts student. Am I eligible?

The grant is targeted at helping freelance practitioners who rely on their performing arts work for a living, but have lost jobs during Covid-19. If you are a full-time student or if you are under 18 years of age, you will not be eligible for this grant.

2. I have a part-time job, but I also freelance occasionally in the performing arts. Can I apply?

Freelancers who earn some income from part-time employment are eligible to apply, although priority may be given to self-employed arts practitioners who rely completely on freelance work for their income.

3. I am a freelancer, but I do not have proof of paid work in the performing arts scene between July 2019 and Jan 2020. Am I eligible?

No. Unfortunately, with limited funds available, we prioritise those who have been working regularly as a freelancer, and whose income stream has been disrupted by Covid-19 measures. You would need to have at least one paid job in the ‘live’ performing arts scene between July 2019 and Jan 2020 to be eligible.

4. I am a freelancer, but I do not have any projects in 2020 that were cancelled or postponed. Can I apply?

No. Unfortunately, this fund is specifically targeted at helping practitioners who have lost jobs as a result of event cancellations and venue closures due to Covid-19.

5. I am not eligible for this grant, but I am a performing arts freelancer, who needs financial help. Where else can I seek assistance?

The government recently announced several new schemes to support families and workers. Under the Solidarity Payment, all Singaporeans aged 21 and above in 2020 will receive S$600. You can also find out if you are eligible for help under the Self-Employed Person Income Relief Scheme (SIRS), or the Temporary Relief Fund for those who have lost jobs, or lost 30% of their income due to Covid-19. More information can be found at this gov.sg page.

The National Arts Council may also be able to provide other forms of support. Check their website for details here.

6. Some of my projects have been cancelled or postponed, but I have received partial compensation for them. Will this affect my chances of getting the grant?

Even if you have received partial compensation for your cancelled or postponed project, you are still eligible to apply. We will assess each application as a whole, and consider other factors surrounding each applicant’s financial situation. However, if you have received full compensation for your cancelled project(s), please do not apply as we do not consider that as income lost.

7. I work in schools as a performing arts educator, helping to direct, teach or prepare students for school-based productions and/or concerts (E.g SYF). However, these shows were cancelled because of Covid-19. Am I eligible to apply?

At the moment, our financial assistance is prioritised for those who work full-time or part-time as freelancers in the ‘live’ theatre, dance and music industry. We are unable to provide support to those who work in education and in schools, as our resources are limited. If you are able to prove that you have had paid work in a performing arts event in the last 6 months, and you have also lost jobs due to show cancellations, you may apply. However, cancellations of school shows or concerts do not qualify.

8. What kind of projects qualify as proof of paid work in the ‘live’ performing arts?

Projects that qualify are ‘live’ performances in theatre, dance, or music sector, as these are the kinds of events that had to be unexpectedly cancelled or postponed due to stringent measures to prevent the community spread of Covid-19.

Projects that are not eligible for consideration include events for religious purposes or are held at a religious venue, private events not open to the public, fundraising events, and events being presented as part of the school or academic curriculum.

9. Why do you need to see my bank statements?

Your bank balance will give us a sense of how urgently you need cash to tide you through this challenging period. As our funds are limited, we may prioritise freelancers who have heavier financial burdens, or urgent essential expenses and bills that they can no longer afford to pay. Please be assured that we value your privacy. These documents will be treated as strictly private and confidential, and are for internal use only.

10. I am having difficulty filling out the online grant form. Is there someone who can help me?

If you have questions about the application form or criteria, you may send your questions to info@rayofhope.sg with the subject header “Pasar Glamour Art Aid application – (your name)”. We will try our best to answer your queries.

11. When must I submit my application for funding?

You can submit your grant application anytime, but it must be completed online and submitted by Friday, 17 July 2020, 2359 hrs.

Covid 19’s Impact on the Performing Arts Community

Since February 2020, the performing arts sector in Singapore has been severely impacted by the widespread cancellation of productions and events, as well as the closure of entertainment venues, as part of stringent measures to reduce the community spread of Covid-19 in Singapore.

Our performing arts community, which includes self-employed and freelance performers, directors, stage crew, musicians, designers, choreographers and playwrights, are part of Singapore’s gig economy. 47% of our arts workers are freelancers, which is significantly higher than the national proportion of our resident labour force at 14%. Many are facing tremendous financial pressure as projects come to a standstill and future work remains uncertain.

Through the years, both on stage and off, these creatives have worked hard to entertain and enrich us. Their work has given voice to our stories and experiences, and connected audiences through music, dance, and performance. They are in need right now.

Pasar Glamour is starting an emergency relief fund called Pasar Glamour Art Aid to provide urgent financial assistance ($500 grant) to Singaporean and PR freelancers working in the performing arts industry, who have been adversely affected by Covid-19 measures.

This emergency fund is targeted at helping performing arts freelancers who have lost their jobs and income overnight, and are now facing great difficulty making ends meet during this period.

Dollar-for-dollar matched funding

Pasar Glamour, in partnership with an anonymous donor, has committed $50,000 to match any donations to this fund, dollar for dollar.

The funds for Pasar Glamour Art Aid come from monies previously raised through Pasar Glamour’s pre-loved charity sale in 2019, and from the generous gift by an anonymous donor. At the moment, what we have is sufficient to support 100 individuals. By matching dollar for dollar, we hope to raise $100,000 and support more freelancers in need.

We need your help!

With matched funding from Pasar Glamour, a $500 donation, can support 2 freelancers during this difficult time.

If you are in a position to give, we will match your donation, so that your contribution will go a longer way in helping the Singapore performing arts scene. Any amount is welcome! You can also reach out to us at admin@pasarglamour.com if you have further enquiries.

Thank you and stay safe, everyone!

Our best,

Janice Koh, Pam Oei, and Petrina Kow

Co-founders, Pasar Glamour

About Pasar Glamour

Pasar Glamour is an annual pop-up event that sells pre-loved quality clothing and clothing by Singapore design labels to benefit charitable organisations in Singapore.

Founded by actresses Pam Oei, Petrina Kow and Janice Koh, it is a not-for-profit social enterprise that has partnered with numerous celebrity donors, homegrown designers and volunteers to raise funds that benefit the Arts, as well as charities supporting disadvantaged women and children in Singapore. 100% of its sales proceeds go to its beneficiaries each year. Pasar Glamour was a proud recipient of the Friend of the Arts award in 2019 from the National Arts Council.

Find out more at https://www.pasarglamour.com or follow us @pasarglamour on Instagram and Facebook.

About Ray of Hope

100% of your donations to Ray of Hope go to people in need. We do not take a cut from the funds. 100% of all campaigns are also fully verified, so you know your funds go to real people with real needs.

At Ray of Hope, we take donor accountability very seriously. Our accounts are audited annually, and there is strong governance in place to ensure that your donations are properly channeled to the beneficiaries.

Ray of Hope is a registered charity and a member of the National Council of Social Service.