Since it began, about 411,000 Singaporeans have used more than S$30.4 million in Culture Pass credits, according to the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY).

Of the 1.4 million people who signed up for the pass, 68 % had not attended a local arts or culture event in the previous five years, MCCY said.

A survey found that nine out of ten users said they would attend another local arts or culture event after using their credits.

People aged 18 to 35 used 43 % of the credits, adults used 38 %, and seniors used 19 % of the credits.

At the Singapore Repertory Theatre, more than 60 % of the audience for the musical Legally Blonde used the Culture Pass, and about half of those users were visiting the theatre for the first time.

Arts groups see this boost as a chance to keep new visitors coming back. They are planning special Culture Pass packages and offering help to older people who find online booking difficult.