Taylor Swift likely first artiste to draw exclusive deal, though govt grants for entertainment events common: Industry insiders
Such a deal, if true, could only be possible for an act as big as Swift due to the economic impact her shows had brought to countriesSINGAPORE — While the Government has given grants for sports and arts events here, Taylor Swift's Eras tour in Singapore could be the first time an exclusive deal has been struck for an artiste to make it her only Southeast Asian stop, entertainment industry insiders told TODAY.
Responding to queries from the media, the authorities said on Tuesday that the Singapore Tourism Board had supported the eventSuch a deal would “irritate” Singapore’s neighbours, but geopolitical watchers do not believe that it would have implications on the country's foreign relations. In deciding whether or not to give a grant, the authorities would consider factors such as whether an act has a travelling fan base and a strong track record for audience turnout.
She also said that although most acts would likely not justify an exclusivity clause in the millions, Swift, being an act that has altered the economic fates of cities, is in a class of her own in terms of returns on investment. “We have to block out others, therefore our show is the exclusive show in this part of the region. And fans will make an effort to fly in here, book our hotels, eat our food, book our private-hire services and pay for the tickets.Business experts said that the grant given by STB, whether with an exclusivity clause or not, can be viewed as an investment.
Professor Lawrence Loh, director of the Centre for Governance and Sustainability at the National University of Singapore, added: “There’s a spillover effect on other sectors of the economy as well. When fans come here, they will visit attractions, they will go shopping; there will be a multiplier effect from sectors not directly related to the concert itself.”