Loh Wei Zong

This study examines how cultural policy has shaped the development of street dance in Singapore from the 1980s to the present.

Using a qualitative methodology that combines policy analysis and interviews with stakeholders across the street dance ecosystem, the research applies UNESCO’s Framework for Cultural Statistics Value-Generation Model and a PESTLE framework to assess how policy has affected different functions within the ecosystem.

The findings show a definitive shift from early discouragement and limited state support to institutional recognition and endorsement, with an ecosystem growing from the turn of the millennium under the Renaissance City Plan to the Arts and Culture Strategic Review before reaching Our SG Arts Plan today. These policy phases contributed to the growth of studios, collectives, competitive platforms, showcase events and ancillary service providers, while also expanding access through schools, state-supported platforms and public partnerships.

However, the study also finds that support is often tied to the extent to which street dance aligns with broader policy objectives, such as youth engagement, social cohesion, and creative economy goals, leading to uneven support being made available to different actors in the ecosystem.

This suggests that while cultural policy has played a significant role in legitimising and growing street dance, forms of support made available are shaped by instrumental priorities.

The research concludes that street dance in Singapore has developed into a more sustainable ecosystem, but that creation and production remain comparatively under-supported, raising questions about balancing state objectives and artistic needs.