After years of favoring math and sciences, the Singaporean government now views the arts as having economic value. In its attempt to reposition Singapore and make the island more attractive as a base for business and technology, it adopts a new strategy to become a global city for the arts and launches Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay. This case study discusses the challenges and obstacles that Esplanade must overcome to meet its vision to become a world-class arts center. It examines the question of whether buildings, infrastructure and government policy are sufficient for the creation of a cultural capital.