If you were to do a survey asking Singaporeans if Singaporeans in general were passionate, chances are most would say that we were the world's most apathetic people.

Food as Culture
I was slurping my pork noodles for dinner at the famous noodle stall "Tai Wah" at Crawford Lane this evening, and I could not help but wonder at the queues forming for their famous pork noodles; whilst watching a TV programme that went around Singapore interviewing famous food stalls, asking the customers why they kept returning. It was quite amazing as many of these customers described well their reasons for returning, almost like professional critics.

Ensuring the arts engage
I have heard one a many artist comment that if Singaporeans could have the same passion for the arts as what they have for food, then Singapore would be truly a global arts city. Although most meant to say that our audience need to become more sophisticated in their taste for the arts, it would seem to be more logical if artists thought about how they can improve their craft, just as how the different hawkers strive to be the best amongst the others.

This was possibly best exemplified in a recent letter to TODAY commenting on Theatreworks alienation of their audience. Of course, Theatreworks were quite diplomatic and responded that as arts groups mature and evolve their craft, their audience might change as well. But underlying all this, is the desire of our audience to participate, and not be alienated by the arts in Singapore.