Tamil Murasu – Residents of Sree Narayana Mission Nursing Home Will Participate in a Painting Workshop

This arts initiative, jointly introduced by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) and the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC), aims to engage nursing home residents in creative activities.

The programme enables seniors with mobility challenges to use their “SG Culture Special Amount” to take part in local arts events.

A ministry spokesperson told The Straits Times that both MCCY and AIC plan to roll out more such programmes for nursing homes.

The English-language workshop runs for 90 minutes, and facilitators are advised to offer extra support and exercise patience when working with the participants.

“The key goal is to empower residents to become event organisers. Those who complete the training will be equipped to lead similar activities for their peers within the home,” said Ms. Reshma Tazim, Project Administrator at Sree Narayana Mission.

During the pilot phase, assistants working alongside the instructor will provide more personalised guidance.

The team will also use various tools adapted to the physical and functional needs of seniors.

MCCY noted that over 800 seniors have taken part in outdoor group activities organised by active ageing centres, community clubs, and nursing homes.

Additionally, the Ministry will continue ensuring that there are adequate programmes for people with disabilities, with more than 70 cultural activities already made accessible to them.

As of January 1 this year, more than 1.1 million Singaporeans—out of 3 million eligible—have registered for the “SG Cultural Special Allowance.”
Over 136,000 individuals have spent close to $10 million of the allocated amount, and more than 46,000 have fully utilised their $100 credits, according to interim Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Nio in a written parliamentary reply.

Budget 2025 committed $300 million to the “SG Cultural Special Amount” initiative, aimed at encouraging Singaporeans to attend local arts events and exhibitions.

All Singapore citizens aged 18 and above receive a $100 digital SG Culture Pass, redeemable from September 1, 2025 until the end of 2028. More information is available at sgculturepass.gov.sg.