ARTDIS

What ARTDIS does

ARTDIS (Singapore) Ltd, formerly Very Special Arts Singapore, is a registered non-profit arts charity founded in 1993 by Ambassador-at-Large Professor Tommy Koh. It delivers structured arts education and training for persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, and developmental disabilities across Singapore through a four-level pathway — Foundation, Artist-In-Training, Emerging Artist, and Professional Artist — spanning Visual Arts (Fine Arts, Ceramics, Digital Illustration, Stop-Motion Animation) and Performing Arts (Music, Dance, Drama, Speech).

Operations run from three purpose-built arts centres in Bedok (Visual Arts, established 2002), Changi (Performing Arts, opened 2012; houses The Gallery since 2020), and Bukit Merah (Visual and Performing Arts, opened 2022 with Black Box and recording studio). In FY24/25 the organisation supported 922 clients, ran 21 programmes, organised 44 public exhibitions/performances, and facilitated 316 job opportunities for artists with disabilities, generating upwards of $600,000 of income for those artists.

Revenue is diversified across programme fees ($20-$50 per session, billed per 8-session term, with a Financial Assistance Scheme discounting 25%-75%), individual and corporate donations (IPC status enables tax-deductible giving and Cultural Matching Fund leverage), commissioned artworks and CSR programmes for 30+ corporate partners (Temasek Foundation, CapitaLand Hope, Lee Foundation, SPH Foundation, Maybank, Uniqlo, Gardens by the Bay, etc.), events such as Pocket Fest and Next Stop: Together!, and the ART:DIS Studio online shop. Distribution relies on direct programme delivery at the three centres, public exhibitions and events, online merchandise, and embedded partnerships with SPED schools and disability agencies including APSN, Rainbow Centre, Pathlight, and MINDS.

Name

ARTDIS

Legal name

ARTDIS (Singapore) Ltd.

Website

https://artdis.org.sg

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

ARTDIS (Singapore) Ltd is a non-profit arts charity founded in 1993 that delivers structured Visual and Performing Arts education and livelihood pathways for persons with disabilities across three Singapore centres.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Arts Education and Training

NAICS

Fine Arts Schools (611610), Art Dealers (459920), Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (71)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Personal Enrichment & Creative Arts Programs (EDAAAEAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Visual Arts Instruction (Drawing, Painting, Sculpture) (EDAMAAAA), Performing Arts (Acting, Improv, Theater) (EDAAAGAE), Digital Arts & Design (Graphic Design, Illustration, Animation) (EDAMAAAB), Crafts & Maker Arts (Ceramics, Textiles, Jewelry, Mixed Media) (EDAMAAAD)

Keywords

• Disability arts education
• Inclusive performing arts
• Visual arts training
• Nonprofit arts charity
• Corporate CSR programmes

Headquarters

HQ city

Singapore

HQ country

Singapore

HQ region

Asia

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Programme Fees: Fees collected from students for arts classes and programmes. Group classes range from $20-$50 per session (1-2 hours), with 1-on-1 classes also at $20-$50 per session (30-45 minutes). Fees are billed per term (8 sessions). Financial Assistance Scheme available reducing fees by 25%-75% based on household income.
2. Donations and Fundraising: Individual and corporate donations support the organization. Donations of $50 and above are eligible for tax deduction in Singapore. Ongoing campaigns include charity events such as the annual Charity Golf event. The organization receives support from government agencies and corporate partners.
3. Art Sales and Commissions: Sale of artworks created by artists with disabilities through The Gallery at Changi, exhibitions, and events. Commissioned works for corporate partners and events provide income generation opportunities for artists.
4. Workshop and Event Fees: Fees collected for workshops (e.g., Ceramic Bud Vase workshop at $40) and event activities. Some events offer free activities while others have paid workshops.
5. Corporate Partnerships and CSR: Revenue through corporate social responsibility programmes, sponsorships, and commissioned artworks. Partners support through fundraising, sponsoring, donating, and organizing art auctions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

ARTDIS delivers a structured four-level arts education and training pathway for persons with disabilities in Singapore, encompassing Foundation, Artist-In-Training, Emerging Artist, and Professional Artist levels. Classes span Visual Arts (Fine Arts, Ceramics, Digital Illustration, Stop-Motion Animation) and Performing Arts (Music, Dance, Drama, Speech), delivered across three physical arts centres alongside exhibitions, signature events, an online shop, and corporate CSR programmes.

Product overview

ARTDIS (Singapore) Ltd is a non-profit arts charity providing a structured pathway of arts programmes for persons with disabilities through four levels: Foundation (entry-level exploration), Artist-In-Training (intermediate skills development), Emerging Artist (career preparation with mentorship and masterclasses), and Professional Artist (advanced professional development). The organisation offers both Visual Arts (Fine Arts, Ceramics, Digital Illustration, Stop-Motion Animation) and Performing Arts (Music, Dance, Drama) programmes across three centres in Singapore. Additional offerings include The Gallery exhibition space, the ART:DIS Studio online shop, signature events like Pocket Fest and Next Stop: Together!, corporate partnership programmes, and a Financial Assistance Scheme. The programmes are priced at $20-$50 per session for group and individual classes, with 21 different programmes available.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Foundation Level Programme Entry-level arts programme enabling students with disabilities to explore their interest in the arts through weekly classes, workshops and excursions conducted by qualified teachers across 21 programmes.
• Artist-In-Training Level Programme Intermediate programme providing more intensive training and skill development for students progressing in their artistic journey, with a top-up certificate programme delivered in partnership with Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA).
• Emerging Artist Level Programme Programme empowering students to pursue a career in the arts, with Visual Arts students undergoing a two-year programme culminating in a solo exhibition and Performing Arts students participating in BEYOND DIS:PLAY (Career Immersion).
• Professional Artist Level Programme Advanced programme providing professional development opportunities for artists with disabilities to pursue excellence in the arts.
• Corporate Partnership & CSR Programmes Corporate CSR offerings including commissioned artworks, fundraising, sponsoring, art auctions, disability sector expertise delivery, talks, workshops and corporate bonding activities led by artists with disabilities.
• Financial Assistance Scheme Financial assistance programme reducing session fees by 25% to 75% based on household income, making arts programmes accessible to more persons with disabilities.

Quantifiable outcome

• 722 students and artists with disabilities supported in 2024/2025
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered major, minor and core.

• Land Transport AuthoritymajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Government agency collaborating on Next Stop: Together! project placing artworks in 8 MRT stations across Singapore.
• SBS TransitminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Transit operator supporting Next Stop: Together! MRT station art commissions.
• SMRTminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Transit operator supporting Next Stop: Together! MRT station art commissions.
• Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Art academy partnership delivering a top-up certificate programme for Artists-In-Training to develop professional skills.
• National Arts Council Singapore (NAC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment arts funding agency providing operational support and funding for arts programmes. Supports major projects including Singapore Art Week initiatives and ongoing arts education programmes.
• SG EnablecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment agency for disability services. Alongside ARTDIS, one of the few charities in Singapore serving all persons with disabilities.
• UOLmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProperty developer partner collaborating on community arts projects and exhibitions.
• Gardens by the BaymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on exhibitions and events at the gardens showcasing artworks by artists with disabilities.
• Affordable Art FairmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerArt fair collaboration showcasing and selling artworks by artists with disabilities to collectors.
• Sree Narayana MissionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity organization collaborating on disability arts initiatives.
• NECDCminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity development council collaborating on community arts projects.
• ParkRoyalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHotel group collaborating on events and exhibitions showcasing disability arts.
• UniqlomajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRetail brand collaborating on community engagement and disability arts projects including wearable art adaptations.
• EZ LinkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTransit card company collaborating on art projects including the SAW Art Bus and EZ-Link sticker design activities.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• VSA (The Kennedy Center): VSA is the international network of organisations providing arts opportunities for persons with disabilities, originally founded in 1974. ARTDIS was formerly Very Special Arts Singapore, making VSA the closest organisational peer in mission, programme structure, and target population.
• Objectifs – Centre for Photography & Film: Objectifs is a Singapore visual arts non-profit focused on photography and film, hosting the Pocket Fest inclusive arts festival featuring ARTDIS artists. Both organisations operate as Singapore-based arts non-profits producing exhibitions and public programmes for similar Singapore audiences.

Broad incumbents

• SG Enable: SG Enable is the Singapore government agency dedicated to enabling persons with disabilities. As ARTDIS's core government partner, SG Enable operates at broader scope (employment, assistive technology, social services) but represents the institutional ecosystem in which ARTDIS operates.
• Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay: Esplanade is Singapore's national performing arts centre hosting a wide range of music, dance, and theatre programming. As Singapore's premier arts venue, it competes indirectly for performing arts audiences and represents the broader arts ecosystem in which ARTDIS operates.
• Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA): NAFA is Singapore's oldest arts institution, offering diploma and degree programmes across visual and performing arts. NAFA is an existing ARTDIS partner delivering a top-up certificate for Artist-In-Training students, making it a directly comparable arts education institution in Singapore.
• National Arts Council Singapore (NAC): NAC is the Singapore government agency responsible for arts development and funding. As ARTDIS's primary government funding partner and broader arts sector umbrella, NAC represents the institutional environment in which ARTDIS operates, though its scope covers all art forms nationally.
• LASALLE College of the Arts: LASALLE is a leading contemporary arts college in Singapore offering programmes in fine arts, design, performing arts, and film. As a broader-spectrum arts institution serving a general student body, it competes indirectly for arts education mindshare in Singapore.

Regional players

• MINDS (Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore): MINDS is a major Singapore non-profit serving persons with intellectual disabilities across education, vocational training, and social services. While not arts-focused, it overlaps with ARTDIS's target population and is a Singapore-based disability services peer.
• Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf): SADeaf is a Singapore non-profit serving the deaf and hard-of-hearing community through education, accessibility services, and advocacy. As a Singapore-based disability organisation, it shares ARTDIS's target demographic overlap (sensory disabilities) and non-profit operating model.
• Metta School: Metta School is a Singapore special education school serving students with mild intellectual disabilities and autism. It overlaps with ARTDIS in serving similar student demographics and is a regional Singapore-based disability education peer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/art.dis.singapore
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/artdis-singapore-ltd
• Instagraminstagram.com/art.dis.singapore

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ARTDIS