Singapore hopes to introduce world music into it's community, by bringing the World Of Music, Arts & Dance (WOMAD) to Singapore for the fifth year running and setting up WOMAD Projects Singapore PTE Ltd.

Operated as a fully owned subsidiary of UK based WOMAD, WOMAD Projects Singapore aims to 'introduce world music into schools and communities, facilitating opportunities for cross cultural collaboration and introducing fresh and exciting acts in clubs and other venues.'

Sarah Martin, Project Director of WOMAD Projects Singapore says 'With Singapore's entertainment calendar filling up, we have seen a growing sophistication among our local audience. People expect a higher standard of entertainment and more diverse 'niche' acts. With our 20 year history and network of world-class talents, we hope to be able to fill this demand.'

The highlight of the organisation's calendar is the WOMAD festival, which comes to Singapore from 30 August - 1 September. The festival, which started 20 years ago in Shepton Mallet, UK, by British talent Peter Gabriel, will feature 14 artists from 14 countries including South Africa, Brazil, Japan and the Cameroons.

Main sponsor, the Singapore Tourism Board, hopes the festival will cultivate a strong following among overseas visitors and establish WOMAD as a 'must-see' event in Singapore. Director of Events Marketing, Mr Lim Chwee Seng says

'WOMAD has established itself as a cutting edge music festival. By introducing new acts and innovative experiences each year, WOMAD is the type of spontaneous event that adds to Singapore's image as a fun and exciting destination.' Details: www.womadsingapore.com.sg