Samuel Seow likes to joke that he was born with arts in his blood. In his youth, he always dreamt of a career in the arts. While at Victoria Junior College, he took Theatre Studies and Drama in his ‘A’ Levels. But when a legal career beckoned, he decided to merge his passion with his profession.
“For many of my clients, they would generally not enter into written agreements with anyone, whether a member of the cast and crew, or a service provider,” Samuel shared.
“When they use third party copyright material, they may not even know how to go about clearing rights, and live only by the grace of God that no one sues them. Occasionally, such practices would land them into trouble.
“After I started providing legal services to them, they were more confident engaging with creative and other professionals both locally and abroad. Not only has this sparked more synergistic relationships, but they are also secure in the knowledge that after their artistic negotiations, I would follow through with the legal and compliance issues.”
Adapting His Legal Knowledge for the Creative Industries
Beyond advising professionals in the arts and media sectors, Samuel sees a great need for qualified administrators within the creative circles. For many years, he has been working behind the scenes, helping to develop arts management in Singapore.
“I see many creative individuals and companies that don’t even know what they don’t know when it comes to running a business and a charity. Some knowledge in operating a business, intellectual property protection, and contract law would help them significantly,” Samuel explained.
In 2011, he was nominated to be part of the Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) Arts Management Workgroup, a group of arts specialists who helped to design the WSQ Arts Management qualifications, develop the WSQ Competency standards and to advise how the programme should be implemented.
With his specialised knowledge, Samuel has contributed significantly in providing guidance and advice on intellectual property, copyright and governance in the WSQ Competencies.
“Even though I cannot at present pursue my own artistic passions, I take an active interest in the wellbeing of the arts industry. It gives me great satisfaction knowing I can contribute to the arts by helping to develop creative individuals through avenues such as the WSQ Diploma programmes.”
Grooming Creative Professionals
In 2009, Samuel took on the role of a Trainer for the legal modules in the WSQ Diploma in Creative Entrepreneurship. This year, he added the WSQ Diploma in Arts Management to his training portfolio.
“The two WSQ Diplomas are designed to equip current and aspiring arts administrators and managers with industry-ready skills and knowledge in areas including finance and budgeting, marketing, sponsorship and fundraising, legal basics and intellectual property, project management and arts administration systems.
“With such knowledge, I believe people in the creative industries would be able to better organise their businesses and exploit their intellectual property so as to maximise returns,” Samuel said.
Seeing a Bright Future for the Arts
Looking ahead, Samuel believes that encouraging prospects lie ahead for Singapore’s creative industries.
“As the government continues to pursue various creative industries to boost the nation’s economy, and as more resources are pumped into the creative industries, the standard of the arts would improve,” Samuel explained.
“Our performers would be better trained in the crafts and our audiences better educated on the various arts.
“Consequently, companies and individuals involved in the arts would gain more recognition and attain greater affirmation among the general community. This would in turn bring about an even more vibrant arts scene and a more enriched arts community in Singapore.
“I am excited about the future of our arts and I definitely want to contribute wherever I can.”
For more information on the Creative Industries WSQ Framework, please go to www.exploreciwsq.sg
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