SINGAPORE — A change in the definition of “arts participants” by the National Arts Council was the reason why there was a decrease in the percentage of youths recorded to be involved in the arts, said Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong in Parliament yesterday.

Mr Wong was responding to a question from Nominated Member of Parliament Janice Koh on the NAC’s Population Survey of the Arts. According to the survey, participation in the arts by youths aged 15 to 24 declined to 28 per cent in 2011 from 40 per cent in 2009.

The new definition of an arts participation in the survey only includes “the young people who do not participate in structured (arts) programmes within schools”.

“The definition was amended to more accurately capture interest and involvement amongst youth relative to other demographic segments, who do not have the advantage of structured school-based programmes,” Mr Wong said.

He also added that despite the change in definition, the 2011 youth participation rate remains above the national average.

Mr Wong also acknowledged the importance of youth participation in arts and reiterated that the ministry would continue to support this through funding and enhancing the capabilities of teachers to cultivate a love of arts.