Arts Entertainment Licence
The Arts Entertainment Licence is issued by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for conducting various forms of arts entertainment in Singapore, including plays, concerts, and exhibitions. The licence is valid for specified dates and processing typically takes 20 working days from receipt of complete information.
- Validity
- The licence is valid only for the dates applied for. These dates will be specified in the licence
- Processing time
- 20 working days from receipt of complete information
- Issuing authority
- INFOCOMM MEDIA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (IMDA)
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Who needs the Arts Entertainment Licence
This licence applies to Singapore businesses registered under the following SSIC industry codes:
What's involved in getting the Arts Entertainment Licence
The scope of the application — what must be in place, how the agency reviews, and where applications typically stall.
What this licence allows the business to do
The Arts Entertainment Licence permits businesses to conduct a range of arts entertainment activities in Singapore, such as plays, concerts, dance performances, art exhibitions, and literary readings. This licence is essential for ensuring that events comply with local regulations and standards.
What must be in place before the licence can be granted
Before the licence can be granted, several prerequisites must be fulfilled. These include a finalized script for performances, a detailed programme schedule for concerts, and a layout plan of the event location. For art exhibitions, a synopsis or theme, wall texts, and high-quality photographs of each exhibit are required. Additionally, multimedia materials must be clear and of good quality, and any foreign language materials must include English translations.
How the agency reviews and decides
The IMDA reviews applications by assessing the completeness and quality of the submitted materials. This includes arranging for any necessary evaluations of the proposed performances or exhibitions. The agency ensures that all content aligns with local cultural standards and regulations.
Common reasons applications stall
Applications for the Arts Entertainment Licence can stall for various reasons. Common issues include incomplete documentation, such as missing scripts or multimedia materials, and failure to meet quality standards for submitted content. Additionally, discrepancies between the proposed activities and the information provided can lead to delays. Ensuring all materials are complete and of high quality before submission can help mitigate these risks.
Required documents and prerequisites
Items the applicant typically needs ready before submitting:
- Plays, play-readings and poetry recitals
- Synopsis
- Finalised script. For scripts in a foreign language, English translations are to be provided.
- Multimedia material. The picture and sound should be clear and of good quality. Video footage in a foreign language is to be accompanied by subtitles.
- Art exhibitions
- Synopsis/ Theme of exhibition
- Wall texts
- Photographs/ Images of each exhibit
- Multimedia material [As above]
- For exhibitions featuring archival materials including audio visual, text, image, photograph, etc., the materials should be clear and of good quality.
- Concerts and variety shows
- Detailed programme schedule
- Layout plan of the event location
- Set list and lyrics for all songs. For lyrics in a foreign language, English translations are to be provided.
- Name(s) of artiste(s), including guest performers
- Multimedia material [As above]
- Unscripted performances e.g. dance, performance art, stand-up comedies, playback or forum theatre
- Synopsis
- Completed Content Checklist for Unscripted and Multidisciplinary Performances in which relevant information about the works should be provided (e.g. performance score, stage direction, talking points, etc.)
- Rehearsal video or video of past performances where available
Arts Entertainment Licence FAQ
Do I need this licence to start operating?
Yes, the Arts Entertainment Licence is necessary for any business planning to conduct arts entertainment activities in Singapore. Without this licence, businesses may face legal repercussions and be unable to hold their events.
What can my business do once licensed?
Once licensed, your business can legally conduct various forms of arts entertainment, including plays, concerts, dance performances, and art exhibitions. This licence allows you to operate within the regulatory framework set by the IMDA.
What happens if I operate without it?
Operating without the Arts Entertainment Licence can lead to significant penalties, including fines and the potential cancellation of events. It is crucial to obtain this licence to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.
What's the most common reason applications get rejected?
The most common reason for rejection is incomplete documentation. Applications lacking finalized scripts, detailed programme schedules, or high-quality multimedia materials are often delayed or denied. Ensuring all required materials are submitted in full can help avoid this issue.
Can a foreign-owned company hold this licence?
Yes, foreign-owned companies can apply for the Arts Entertainment Licence in Singapore, provided they meet all the necessary requirements and conditions set by the IMDA for the specific activities they wish to conduct.
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Other IMDA licences
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