With the increasing global competition, the arts and culture play an even greater role in enabling Singapore to continue to attract talent, investment and international attention. With an increasingly sophisticated and diverse population base, there is a need to offer a greater variety of cultural options to engage, educate and entertain.

Established in 1988, the Advisory Council on Culture and the Arts (ACCA) led by former President and then-Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Ong Teng Cheong mapped out a blueprint for Singapore's arts and culture landscape to boost the cultural scene and emerging cultural identity. Subsequently, from year 2000 to 2008, the Renaissance City Plans (RCPs), in all three phases, built on the recommendations of the ACCA, with a focus on enhancing vibrancy, building capabilities, and strengthening community outreach.

In 2010, the Arts and Culture Strategic Review (ACSR) was initiated to focus on our identity and strengthen the national unity. The ACSR builds upon the Government's previous arts and culture masterplans - the recommendations of the ACCA and RCPs. Unlike the previous arts and culture masterplans, this review was driven by the people and private sectors.