Strengths & Weaknesses

Place

The venue of the event is quite troublesome and confusing as me and my friends took some time to figure out where is it. We only managed to find out the places with the help of the event’s marshal. Imagine even a Singaporean finding it difficult to locate the exact place, how will a foreigner be able to find it? It is actually quite a long walk from the Esplanade’s Mass rapid transit (MRT) station. However, the environment they chose went hand in hand with the theme as it is surrounded by cities. They used mainly wood as the whole events and were in a park, thus it is simple and it goes well together.

Programming

The programming was well organized and planned as at any time, at least an activity or performance is occurring, this ensured that participates would not get bored and have nothing to do. The programmes planned are pretty fresh and interesting, like the kids art village. However, from morning to late afternoon, the activities are mostly suitable for children, thus if adults were to visit at that point of time, they might get bored. The activities more suited for the working population are all happening on late afternoon and onwards, and vice versa.

Manpower 

The manpower allocation for the whole event was well organized. I can see sufficient manpower at every station. Due to the fact that the whole event was not major, thus they do not require large pool of manpower and it is easier to control the crowd.

Product

They came up with varieties of different performance and activities to attract and target every age group, children, adults, and teenagers. They also have free performance and activities that helps to attract new comers to witness the grant and excitement of the whole festival it may help to arouse their interest to come back the next year festival for a ticketed programme. 


Price
Nevertheless, some of the ticketed activities or performances are priced too costly, thus I believe many will not spend the money to watch the performance. 

Advertising

I feel that the advertising of the Singapore Arts Festival 2011 is insufficient; the campaign can be improved further to be more impactful and effective. If it were not because of this project, I probably would not even know anything about this event. The planners must also take into consideration that what they are selling out to the mass audience they must also cater to the different needs, wants and at the same time ensure that they will come and pay for the event. Thus, they made an effort to come out with different types of activities and performances to target all ages. I personally felt they did not really target the teenagers well enough. Most of the activities will not really catch and interest the teenagers.     

Logistics

The logistics used by this event was relatively simple with not much advance technology.. The sound and lighting system are all ordinary. It might be due to the budget as it is clearly shown that the whole event is cost-saving. However, what impressed me the most was the set up of the venue. It was custom-made with all hand-made materials like woods and metal. This can help to save a lot of costs and educate the public on the efficient use of natural materials and conservation.  

Services

The services provided by the helpers were very efficient and friendly. I asked them about the route to the festival village and they were very pleasant towards me and taught me how to get there. The information counter staff were also very knowledgeable and helpful as they provided us with ample information we needed, like for example what time is the next performance, what can we do here, etc.