Was arts council wrong in revoking grant?, Lifestyle News & Top Stories – The Straits Times

It is even more amazing that a seemingly parochial tale of Singapore can resonate far beyond our shores (Sonny Liew Book An International Bestseller, The Straits Times, March 19).

Given its lauded trajectory, the National Arts Council’s decision to revoke the $8,000 publishing grant for the book seems myopic and misguided.

First, was the council wrong to have deemed the content sensitive?

Exactly which parts of this novel are sensitive and why were they considered so by the council?

Second, should the council’s funding conditions be re-examined?

It is often said that the appreciation of art is subjective and for a person to not see the beauty of art, even if the rest of the world sees it, is unfortunate but understandable.

However, for an organisation whose goal is to promote Singapore arts to not see the complex beauty of Liew’s work is tragic and ironic.

Harvey Neo