- Jane Lee

september-october 2007
Mentoring and
nurturing creative
talents in the Noise
Apprenticeship
programme
Haig Girls’ School
strikes Gold at the
NAE Award 2007
Singapore Exchange
head Hsieh Fu Hua
brings his business
savvy to the arts
The new Republic
Cultural Centre opens
the door to the arts in
the North
instep september-october 2007
CEO Writes
I
t’s never too young for anyone to appreciate
the arts. That’s why NAC’s strategy for the arts
reaches out to even primary school children.
This year, all schools can be inspired by the
students of Haig Girls’, which has the honour of
being the first primary school to clinch the Gold
Award at the National Arts Education Award
2007. With a comprehensive arts programme
for students as well as training for teachers, the
school sets the benchmark for arts education
in Singapore. What’s more encouraging is to see how young people have
enthusiastically embraced a holistic education through the arts as more and
more schools recognise its value in student development.
Early exposure to the arts encourages young people to express themselves
creatively. This is where events like Noise Singapore provide not only an
avenue for expression, but also a means of nurturing creative talent. Noise, a
“venue-less” arts festival organised by NAC, using media and technological
platforms, includes an apprenticeship programme that pairs selected youths
with participating mentors. This offers talented youths insights into the creative
process and gives them a leg-up in the creative industries.
Later in life, for those with a passion and drive to make the arts a career,
NAC provides support to artists in specialised fields. We have well-established
scholarships and bursaries to develop the artistic talents of tomorrow, as well
as to provide professional development for practising artists. A deserving
recipient highlighted in this issue is dancer Ginny Gan, who received the NAC
Arts Bursary to pursue ballet at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School in Canada.
With NAC’s support, aspiring artists and those interested in the arts in
Singapore have vast opportunities to fulfil their creative desires.
contents
01
Jane Lee Receives Inaugural
Residency Prize
The Art Of Science
02
Primary School Wins First Gold Ginny Gan Shines
In Winnipeg
03
Creative Talents Win
Scholarships In The Arts
04
The Noise Apprenticeship
Programme: Creativity In
Progress
06
Marrying Art And Business
A Walk Down Memory Lane
With Nora Samosir
07
New Arts Magazine
The Flying Circus Project
Returns
08
Bringing The Arts To The North
Wheelock Properties Unveils
Public Art Gallery
09
Awards Won
Artists/Groups Overseas
10
Arts Around You
Lee Suan Hiang
INSTEP is published bi-monthly by the
National Arts Council (NAC).
Editorial Team:
Nigel Sim and Kimberly Marsh
To receive copies of INSTEP, send your full
name, occupation, company, email and mailing
address to NAC_feedback@nac.gov.sg.
Log on to www.nac.gov.sg/instep for the latest
and back issues of INSTEP, or give us your
feedback or suggestions.
mission
To nurture the arts and make it an integral
part of the lives of the people of Singapore
instep september-october 2007
01
Jane Lee Receives Inaugural
Residency Prize
A
key component of the Singapore
Art Show 2007, the Singapore Art
Exhibition (SAE), was held at the
Singapore Art Museum from 3 August to
3 September. Providing a comprehensive
survey of local art through its invited
and open section, the SAE also saw the
establishment of the inaugural International
Residency Prize, which provides a residency
grant of up to S$50,000 to an ‘early’ or
‘mid-career’ local artist in the visual arts
field. The grant, initiated and administered
by the NAC, comprises a residency at a
reputable international art organisation or
institution, where the award recipient will
work with relevant groups of professionals
in his or her respective fields.
Purple Drape by Jane Lee. Photo courtesy of the artist
Said National Arts Council Director of
Visual Arts and Resource Development,
Mr Lim Chwee Seng, “The International
Residency Prize is offered as a career
development programme to our visual
artists. This residency will allow the
recipient to develop her practice at an
international level; in the course of which
there will be invaluable opportunities for
her to interact and network with her peers,
visual art directors, curators, critics, art
dealers and collectors.”
Wowing the judges and clinching this
coveted prize was Jane Lee. According to
Mr Kwok Kian Chow, Chairman, Selection
Panel for the International Residency
Prize, and Director of the Singapore Art
Museum, “The panel was impressed by
the high quality of Jane’s paintings, which
constantly explored the formal properties
and pushed the boundaries of her medium.
She has created a consistent body of works
that never fails to delight and surprise the
viewer with the seemingly endless ways in
which paint can be manipulated.”
Similarly, artist Christine Mak Lai Peng
walked away S$5,000 richer as her piece,
Engrossed, caught the imagination of
visitors and garnered the most votes for the
‘My Favourite Artwork’ competition.
The Art Of Science
F
ollowing its successful inaugural
artist residency by Sandra Lee, the
Marina Mandarin Singapore has
appointed Joshua Yang as its second
resident artist.
Yang is known for creating unique artworks
using a single continuous line with no
breaks or overlaps – a concept inspired by
the Superstring Theory, where all matter
and non-matter in the universe is believed
to be made up of, and connected by, tiny
vibrations called ‘strings’.
Presently teaching Art History and
Sculpture at the NUS High School of
Math and Science, Yang’s fascination with
scientific theories forms the foundation
for his works. During his residency, which
started this July, Yang will explore the
‘divisive’ nature of the single line, and the
boundaries it creates. This is a departure
from his past works which used a single
line to discuss the notion of connectivity.
“I am drawn to Joshua’s unique style and
depth of concept, and feel he has a lot
of potential as an artist,” said Dr Eugene
Tan, Director of LaSalle’s Institute of
Contemporary Arts, who will be curating
Yang’s residency and exhibition.
A two-time recipient of the prestigious
NAC Patron of the Arts Award, the Marina
Mandarin Singapore launched its Artist-inResidence programme in 2006 in support
of local and Asian artists. It remains the
only five-star hotel in Southeast Asia to
provide in-house residency to emerging
Asian artists.
From left: Right Wing 2007 and Left Wing 2007 by
Joshua Yang. Photo Courtesy of Asian Art Options
02
instep september-october 2007
Primary School Wins First Gold
From left: Living Greens by Youth Dance Team Singapore; students of Shuqun Primary School; performance by
Govin Tan, First Prize Winner in the tabla category (Intermediate) of the National Indian Music Competition, RAdm
(NS) Lui Tuck Yew, Minister of State for Education with Ginny Lee, Principal of Haig Girls’ School
H
aig Girls’ School received the
distinction of being the first primary
school to win Gold for the National
Arts Education (NAE) Award 2007. Two
years ago, the school had clinched the
Silver award.
With a strong culture in both performing
and visual arts, Haig Girls’ School
sets an agenda towards improving the
quality of its arts education programmes
by benchmarking itself against other
local and international primary schools.
It also ensures all teachers and
senior management are engaged in a
comprehensive arts training framework.
Seven other schools earned the Bronze
awards. Four of them – Mayflower Primary
School, Woodlands Primary School, North
Spring Primary School and Tanjong Katong
Primary School – were first-time award
recipients.
In its fifth year, the NAE Award is a
partnership initiative between the National
Arts Council and the Ministry of Education
to encourage and recognise good arts
education processes in schools. Initially
open to only secondary schools and the
Centralised Institute in 2002, the awards
were later made open to primary schools
in 2005. Since then, the awards are given
to primary schools on alternate years, with
other years open to secondary schools,
junior colleges and the Centralised Institute.
This year especially saw higher quality
submissions from participating primary
schools, reflecting their greater emphasis
on the Arts. Out of the 33 schools
considered for the awards, 24 per cent
received an award, compared to 14 per
cent in 2005.
The success of the NAE Award is also
marked by the fact that almost half of the
participating schools had taken part for
the first time, a sign that more schools are
acknowledging the importance of an arts
education in student development.
Ginny Gan Shines In Winnipeg
“It’s been a tough but great experience.
I’m definitely very privileged to pursue
something that I have a passion for,” said
Gan. “The support from my parents and
the National Arts Council has been vital in
making this possible.”
Ginny Gan performing in Sleeping Beauty at the
Assiniboine Park’s Lyric Theatre
F
or much of summer this year, young
Singapore dancer, Ginny Gan, was
busy fine-tuning her talent at the
Royal Winnipeg Ballet School (RWBS) in
Canada, thanks to the Rotary Club-NAC
Training Grant.
The 20-year-old rising star, a recipient of
the NAC Arts Bursary, was one of only two
students handpicked by her school, the
New Zealand School of Dance, to attend
this inaugural exchange programme
between the schools.
Gan was not only placed in the
programme’s highest class – the Masters
Ladies Class – she also had the honour
of being trained by renowned dancers
Ekaterina
Chechelkanova,
Stephane
Leonard and Jorden Morris. During her
time there, she performed in the Corps De
Ballet for Sleeping Beauty and was one
of the clog ladies in La Fille Ma Gardee.
She also understudied the soloist dancer,
Serena Sandford for the role of Candide
in Sleeping Beauty and was a cover for La
Fracture in one of the segments.
While she came away with several valuable
lessons and new insights, Gan says the
best thing she gained from the programme
is a better understanding of her body.
“Weeks after I got back from Canada, one
of my technique teachers mentioned that
I’ve become more precise in my steps
and know how to work my body
better,” she recounted.
Gan will be back in
Singapore at the end
of the year to perform
with the Singapore
Dance Theatre in
Swan Lake.
instep september-october 2007
03
Creative Talents Win
Scholarships In The Arts
T
wenty-seven outstanding creative
talents bagged scholarships at the
Creative Industries Scholarship
Awards.
The recipients – selected from 269
applicants based on creative achievements,
passion and potential to contribute to the
development of local creative industries
– received their scholarships from Dr
Lee Boon Yang, Minister for Information,
Communications and the Arts at the official
ceremony on 28 August 2007.
This year, the NAC received 185
applications for its Scholarships and
Bursaries, with a doubling of applicants
for the Arts Professional Scholarship,
specifically in the areas of Arts
Administration. Out of these applicants,
five promising young arts professionals
were awarded between $70,000 to
$100,000 each. They were Shell-NAC
Arts Scholarship recipients Foo Yun Ying,
and Joshua Tan Kang Ming, together with
the NAC Arts Professional Scholarship
recipients Tang Fu Kuen, James Tan
Khoon Song and Tan Lay Hoon.
Foo, 22, a graduate from the Hong Kong
Academy of Performing Arts (HKAPA) will
study Contemporary Dance at the London
Contemporary Dance School, while Joshua
Tan, 31, an accomplished violinist and
conductor, will pursue his Masters in
Orchestral Conducting at the prestigious
Juilliard School.
A graduate from the pioneer cohort of
the NUS Theatre Studies programme,
and holder of a Masters in Media &
Communications, Tang, 35, will study
Public Administration at the Korea
Development Institute/School of Public
Policy & Management. An established
lighting designer and Artist-in-Residence
at the LASALLE College of the Arts’
Technical Theatre Arts Programme, James
Tan, 27, will pursue a Masters in Fine
Arts (Lighting Design) at the University of
California San Diego, while experienced
production manager Tan Lay Hoon, 39,
will hone her skills pursuing a Masters in
Fine Arts (Production Management) at
Boston University.
Established in 2006, the Creative Industries
Scholarships is part of the national effort to
transform Singapore into a global city for
arts, media and design under the ‘Creative
Recipients of NAC Bursaries Awards with Guest-of-Honour, Dr Lee Boon Yang (7th from the left), Minister for
Information, Communications and the Arts and Mr Edmund Cheng (8th from the left), Chairman, National Arts Council
Industries Development Strategy,’ as well as
grow and nurture promising creative talents
by offering them opportunities to embark
on a career in the creative industries.
The awards include industry-oriented
scholarships offered by the National Arts
Council (Shell-NAC Arts Scholarship
and NAC Arts Professional Scholarship),
the
Media
Development
Authority
(Media Education Scheme) and the
DesignSingapore Council (DesignSingapore
Scholarship).
From left: NAC Arts Professional Scholarship
recipients James Tan, Tan Lay Hoon, Foo Yun Ying,
and Tang Fu Kuen
Three decades of support through Shell
As the longest standing Distinguished Patron of the Arts, Shell has been instrumental
in nurturing the arts in Singapore since the ’70s through initiatives such as the
Shell Friday Lunchtime Cultural Programme and the Shell Discovery Art Exhibition
Scheme. This year’s presentation of the Creative Industries Scholarship awards also
marked 30 years of Shell’s robust support of the arts and the final year in which
the Shell-NAC Arts Scholarship would be awarded. Launched in 1991, the ShellNAC Arts Scholarship has since been awarded to 34 promising young individuals
to pursue full-time undergraduate and post-graduate studies in visual arts (fine arts
only), performing arts or literary arts.
Looking back at Shell’s contributions to Singapore’s arts scene, Mr Lee Tzu Yang,
Chairman, Shell Companies in Singapore, commented, “Shell is proud to have
played a significant part in the development of the arts in Singapore, helping to
nurture and sustain its growth through the years. Through the Shell-NAC Arts
Scholarship, we believe we have contributed to the emergence, development and
success of local arts talent.”
Speaking about Shell’s support for the arts, Mr Lee Suan Hiang, Chief Executive
Officer, NAC, also commented, “The local arts scene has benefitted and, indeed,
blossomed, as a direct result of Shell’s commitment from the early days of arts
development in Singapore. Shell’s vital and strategic investment in these young
talents has brought significant results both in these individuals and to the overall
arts scene. Most of these scholars have gone on to be ‘movers and shakers’ in the
arts industry.”
04
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Cr
It’s not very often that Singapore’s young, creative types have the opportunity to tap the minds of more
established arts practitioners in the field of their interests, much less be taken under their wings to learn
from such an experience.
This makes the two-month-long Noise Apprenticeship programme, already in its second year, all the more
noteworthy, as renowned artists in the creative industries are roped in each year to provide guidance to
these talented youths. The programme, part of Noise Singapore 2007, a unique arts festival for youths,
will see selected works from participants featured during the Festival Showcase in November.
“The continued support from Noise artists and industry players over the last two years has been very
encouraging. The Noise Apprenticeship is giving young talent a leg up the creative industries, providing
insights into the creative process while moving many individuals closer to their dreams,” says Ms Chua Ai
Liang, Director of Audience Development, NAC.
This year, 42 youths were chosen by the 11 artists to participate. The Art & Design and Photography
apprentices were also allowed to work alongside their mentors on commercial projects for the first time,
since the inauguration of Noise Apprenticeship. Music apprentices, on the other hand, will be creating
original works for the Noise CD compilation, or assist in the production of an album featuring Western
music with Chinese musical instruments.
The stellar list of mentors for this year’s programme includes musician Imran Ajmain, who was recently
awarded ‘Best New Artist Singapore’ and ‘Best New Artist Regional’ at the Anugerah Planet Muzik 2007
awards; Lee Yeow Heng, an accomplished industrial designer with artistic flair who created animated
icons such as ‘Pura the Magic Cat’ for the 1997 National Day Parade; and photographer Tan Kheng Ju,
an alum of the prestigious Speos Photographic Institute in Paris.
In a huge endorsement of the programme, Ajmain, who is back for the second year as a mentor, says,
“The Noise Apprenticeship is a rare opportunity for local artists, and I’d often wished that there were
similar chances years ago when we entered the industry. My time with last year’s apprentice (Richard J)
was a learning experience, and certainly a gratifying one, as I journeyed with him in the development of
his passion and creativity.”
From left: Noise bands Psykes (left) and Allura (right) entertained the crowd at the Noise Singapore 2007 launch on 26 July 2007
instep september-october
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2007
2007
05
Art and design mentor, Lee Yeow Heng with his apprentices during the
Noise Meet-the-Mentor session
Here are just some projects that the mentors and
apprentices are working on:-
Noise Singapore 2007 Festival
Showcase @ The Heeren Shops
Art & Design
Date : 8 - 20 December 2007
Venue : The Heeren Shops (Level 5)
Currently, Lee Yeow Heng is developing characters for his
latest action figure/vinyl collectible creation(s), and his
three apprentices – Ngin Wei Qi, Soh Jun Hao, and Cheryl
Kong – are involved in the character-design process,
while understudying Lee’s exploration into marketing and
branding possibilities.
Come and feast your eyes on an eclectic array of
Music, Photography, and Art & Design works created
by youths 25 years and below at the Noise Singapore
2007 Festival Showcase at The Heeren Shops. Vote for
your favourite work and stand to win exciting prizes!
Join us in celebrating the creativity of our youths.
Meanwhile, Travis Low, founder of FUNics Productions,
which deals with comic and creative training and
productions, and his apprentices are busy working at
launching the former’s comics blogger network – FUNics
Comix Valley.
Music
Celestina Wong, Vice-Chairman of Siong Leng Musical
Association, is in the midst of organising a 45-minute
concert, featuring Nan Yin music, a traditional Chinese
musical art form, at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts.
Her four apprentices are currently assisting her in the
research and planning aspects, as well as contributing to
the content of the concert.
Elsewhere, Imran Ajmain’s apprentices – Fazli Nasser,
Sharidzuan Selamat, and Mohammad Ridzuan Bin Rafie
– are hard at work, composing and recording two original
songs under his guidance.
Photography
Having been commissioned by one of Singapore’s premier
boutique hotels for its 2008 calendar, Tan Kheng Ju is busy
producing a collection of artistic photographic images. Her
apprentices – Stefanie Djie, Marily G. Mesegue, Shann
Koh, and Erzuandy Samawi – are involved in its various
stages, from concept to production, as well as working on
the publicity for the calendar.
06
instep september-october 2007
Marrying Art And Business
H
aving built a stellar career spanning
more than three decades in
financial services, Hsieh Fu Hua,
Chief Executive Officer of the Singapore
Exchange, is bringing his considerable
professional knowledge to bear on
Singapore’s arts scene.
He is Chairman of the Business and
Finance Advisory Group supporting the
Steering Committee for the National Art
Gallery project, and is also part of an
18-member council that helps guide the
work of the National Arts Council.
Just how important is business acumen to
the arts? According to Hsieh, the industry
consumes lots of money. Hence, a financial
and business discipline and mindset have
a crucial place in the arts.
“You can create the most artistic work,
but it’s not successful if it doesn’t connect
with an audience,” Hsieh said, alluding to
the dynamics of supply and demand.
Though he’s been involved in high finance
since graduating in 1974 from the-then
University of Singapore, with Honours in
Business Administration, Hsieh has had a
love affair with art for a longer time.
As a child, he got up close and personal
with the luminaries of Singapore art; his
father was friendly with several ‘Nanyang
Style’ artists such as Liu Kang, Cheong
Soo Pieng and Chen Wen Hsi, helping
them to organise exhibitions.
Other artists such as Tay Bak Koi and Seah
Kim Joo also left an indelible impression
on Hsieh, which led him to take night
classes in art history “out of curiosity”,
while completing his tertiary studies.
Over the years, Hsieh has become an
enthusiastic collector of art. He has
gradually accumulated ‘an eclectic
collection’ of Southeast Asian art to
complement the Nanyang artists’ works
he inherited from his father.
His associates in the financial world can
also attest to his support for developing
artists, as Hsieh has been known to adorn
his office with artistic pieces by them.
Hsieh, also a design and architecture
fan, notes that even not-for-profit projects
need ‘a certain discipline’ when it comes
to money matters.
“Art can offer a perspective, and speak
to the condition of a people,” he said.
“Local art should be able to speak to the
larger condition, the context, of Singapore
as a global city.” Hsieh’s expertise and
contributions should go a long way in
helping this vision come to pass.
A Walk Down Memory Lane
With Nora Samosir
A
stalwart and familiar face in the local arts industry, Nora
Samosir is a woman of many talents. An accomplished
actress, director and teacher, she first entered the scene
back in 1984 by auditioning for a part in the play Bumboat,
commissioned by the Singapore Arts Festival.
of the audience response,
the complicity that is almost
tangible between actor and
actor, and between actor
and audience,” she says.
“I met Lim Siauw Chong, Lim Kay Tong and Justin Hill in the
production. They founded TheatreWorks in 1985 and I was in the
very first production Be My Sushi Tonight,” she recalls. And the
rest, as they say, is history.
With such solid credentials,
it’s only fitting that Samosir
was part of TheatreWorks’
latest production, 120. A
celebration of the National
Museum of Singapore’s
120th
anniversary,
the
unique production shares
its history and untold stories
through guided tours by wellknown Singapore artistes.
Today, Samosir has amassed a huge body of work, including wellknown theatre productions like The Vagina Monologues, Proof
and Diaspora as well as television appearances in programmes
like Stories Of Love (Broken English episode) and Singapore
Shakes. She also briefly got her feet wet in the film industry with a
supporting role in Apple Films’ Shanghai Lily, and a minor role in
Passion Flower, an American telemovie starring Bruce Boxleitner
and Barbara Hershey. She also shares her insights and expertise
by conducting theatre studies and voice training classes.
So between theatre and television, which medium does she
prefer? “Theatre more than any other because of the immediacy
Samosir, who presents two monologues, was won over by the
project right from the start. “I like museums of all sorts: natural
history, art, science and technology, toys, porcelain. I’ve been to
many – from New Zealand to Scotland, Japan to Canada, all over
Europe – and our National Museum is up there with the best.”
instep september-october 2007
07
New Arts Magazine
S
ince 2 August 2007, Arts Beat has
replaced Arts Xplosion as Singapore’s
fortnightly arts events guide.
With a niftier size and more reader-friendly
layout, the magazine provides a more
effective and comprehensive listing of
free and ticketed events in Singapore. It
also serves as both a publicity and
educational platform to create awareness
of the vibrant arts scene in Singapore. At
60,000 copies, it is available islandwide
at all community clubs, libraries, cafés,
schools and arts venues – both in the
heartlands and downtown.
To list an arts event/activity in Arts Beat,
please email info@artsbeat.com.sg or fax
+65 6291 2068 (Attention: Arts Beat) at
least five weeks prior to the event with
your event information, including a short
event write-up (about 100 words), event
title, date, time, venue, price, ticketing
details, contact numbers, photographs
and press releases (if any). You may email
high resolution digital photos or send nonreturnable photographs by post to Arts
Beat, Song Lin Building #06-01, No. 1
Syed Alwi Road, Singapore 207628. For
editorial or advertising enquiries, please
call +(65) 6298 3241.
The Flying Circus Project Returns
T
he Flying Circus Project, often described as the thinking
person’s arts festival, is back. Established in 1994 by Ong
Keng Sen, Artistic Director of Theatreworks, this unique,
interactive, multi-disciplinary research and development
programme brings together artists from diverse cultures
and backgrounds in an exploration of 21st Century creative
expression through inspired, thought-provoking presentations
and events.
Returning this year, the programme aptly entitled Travelogue,
kicked off in Singapore on 31 October before moving on to
Ho Chi Minh City. Based on the theme ‘Memories/Local
Wisdom/Future-ness’, the programme’s key focus will be on the
interplay of different creative strategies and cultural differences
as artists from Asia, Europe and the United States travel as a
caravan to engage audiences through exhibitions, improvisation
workshops, forums and public seminars. Some artists to look
out for include Meg Stuart, Rachid Ourandame, Sidi Larbi and
Jun Nguyen-Hatsushiba.
Artists Rachid Oudrame (above) and Koosil-ja (right) from The Flying Circus Project.
Photos courtesy of Theatreworks
08
instep september-october 2007
Bringing The Arts To The North
From left: The Republic Cultural Centre (TRCC) Studio, TRCC Façade and TRCC Theatre. Photos courtesy of Republic Polytechnic
R
esidents in the North were given
the opportunity to experience arts
at their doorstep when the Republic
Polytechnic (RP) opened its Woodlands
campus in July this year. As part of the
Polytechnic’s state-of-the-art facility and
outreach programme, The Republic
Cultural Centre (TRCC) was established
to aid in the artistic development of RP’s
students as well as to engage the regional
community in arts appreciation.
Designed by award-winning Japanese
architect, Fumihiko Maki, TRCC has
three main performing arts venues under
its fan–shaped roof, with the largest
being a 1,000-seat proscenium theatre
that can be transformed into a concert
hall in 45 minutes. In the intimate 400seat studio, the adaptable seating and
staging configurations make it a versatile
performance space, while the 120-seat
lab is a flexible, black box space equipped
to support experimental productions. In
addition, it also has rooms and studios for
rehearsals and recordings.
Under a National Arts Council (NAC)
and Republic Polytechnic M.O.U. signed
last year, the two organisations plan to
collaborate on various areas and aim to
build an arts audience of some 30,000
youths and residents.
Commenting earlier on the collaboration
between NAC and RP, NAC CEO Mr Lee
Suan Hiang, said, “We are pleased to
partner Republic Polytechnic in growing
arts audiences in the North. Such
collaborations help the NAC reach specific
sectors of the community in a targeted way,
bringing the benefits of the arts to more
Singaporeans, particularly young people.
The M.O.U. formalises plans for NAC and
RP to tap on each other’s strength, networks,
expertise and creative opportunities. As a
pilot for decentralisation, it is intended to
explore a strategy of developing regional
arts centres in order to enlarge the footprint
of arts participation and engagement
in Singapore.”
Currently home to 25 student arts groups,
TRCC’s venues provide aspiring artists a
platform to realise their passion, and to
share that with a wider audience. Artistsin-Residence include the Gamelan group,
Gamelan Asmaradana and local band,
E.P.I.C. In addition, the TRCC also seeks
to raise cultural awareness and artistic
appreciation through its weekly arts
series ‘Culture Checkpoint’ and its annual
Community Arts Festival.
Wheelock Properties Unveils
Public Art Gallery
In August this year, Wheelock Properties (Singapore) Limited
launched the Wheelock Art Gallery in the heart of Scotts Road.
With the aim to make art more accessible to the man-in-the-street,
the gallery, which is a first by a property developer to incorporate an
art gallery at the show suite, will exhibit artworks by contemporary
artists from Singapore and Asia. It already has exhibitions lined up
till February 2008.
The opening was officiated by NAC CEO, Mr Lee Suan Hiang,
who commented, “This supports NAC’s mission to make arts
pervasive and integral to the lives of our people, and to create
more platforms to promote outstanding young artists. At the same
time, this project draws attention to the beauty of the property
development, and provides a unique experience for their patrons.
It’s a win-win concept.”
The gallery opened with an inaugural exhibition by Zul Othman @
ZERO as part of NAC’s Singapore Art Show 2007, a national visual
arts platform dedicated to celebrating and presenting local visual
arts and artists. Entitled ‘Ephemural Space’, the exhibition, which
From left: Artist Zul Othman; NAC CEO Mr Lee Suan Hiang; and Ms Tan Bee Kim,
Executive Director of Wheelock Properties (Singapore) Limited at the opening of
the Wheelock Public Art Gallery. Photo Courtesy of Wheelock Properties
consisted of five different murals, was a unique art experience
for patrons as they were able to watch the artist create his works
through the window display.
instep september-october 2007
09
Awards Won
n 1987 Cultural Medallion for Literature recipient, Haji Muhammad
Ariff bin Ahmad, was awarded the Public Service Medal on
National Day this August.
n Muhammad Iskandar Mohd Rashid was the sole Distinction
recipient of this year’s Goh Chok Tong Youth Promise Award for
overseas education. He is currently pursuing his musical education
at the prestigious San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
n This September, Dr Lai Kui Fang was conferred the title of
‘Knight in the National Order of Merit’, while Ng Siew Eng, General
Manager of the Singapore Lyric Opera, was conferred the title
of ‘Knight in the National Order of Arts and Letters’, both by the
French government.
Artists/Groups Overseas
From left: Orchids and Store of Merit by Irene Hong
n Based on the recommendation of Damian Grant, foreign judge
for the Singapore Literature Prize 2006, poet Yong Shu Hoong
was invited by The British Council Singapore to attend the British
Council’s 30th Cambridge Seminar on Contemporary Literature
at Cambridge University, from 7 to 13 July.
n Theatre practitioner Roger Jenkins presented a storytelling
performance called Croc Doesn’t Eat Chicken at Edinburgh
Fringe Festival, between 13 and 19 August.
n Poet Dr Ng Seng Huat was invited to the XXVII World Congress
of Poets held in Chennai, India, between 31 August and 6
September.
n The Universal Blues Band performed at Barcelona Blues
Festival in Spain, from 12 to 16 September.
n Poet Alvin Pang was the first international guest at two
Australian festivals: the Big Sky Writers Festival (Geraldton) and
Sprung Writers Festival (Albany), from 7 to 17 September.
n Poet Cyril Wong attended The Utan Kayu International Literary
Biennale in Indonesia, from 23 to 30 August. Wong, together with
writer Catherine Lim, was also invited to The Ubud Writers and
Readers Festival in Bali, Indonesia, between 27 and 30 September.
n Three of Singapore’s well-known contemporary artists –
Zai Kuning, Yuen Chee Wai and Leslie Low – collaborated in an
improvised music performance called Tom Waits For Nobody at
the Long Arms Festival at DOM Cultural Centre, Moscow and
the Forum Apasition, St Petersburg, from 24 September to
2 October. This is the second Asian production to be invited to
the Long Arms Festival.
n Margaret Leng Tan performed at the following international
festivals in October in celebration of the late composer John
Cage’s 95th birthday: Flanders Festival (Belgium) on 1 October,
and the Venice Biennale on 11 October. . From 18 to 20 October,
Tan also collaborated with Japanese dancer/choreographers,
Eiko & Koma, to perform at the world premier of Mourning in the
Butoh Parade Festival in New York.
n Professional musician Arriola Randolf Theodore, founder
and leader of indie band The Embryo, was invited for Y2K7
International Live Looping Festival in San Francisco, USA. Held
between 15 and 21 October, the week-long festival featured over
60 artists from eight countries, all of whom specialise in creating
music using live looping technology and techniques.
n Tang Quartet toured Scotland between 22 October and 10
November.
n Artist Irene Hong showcased her watercolour paintings
in Birmingham, UK, at the Birmingham Watercolour Society
Centennial Exhibition, from 20 to 29 November. She has also
been invited to participate at the 6th Florence Biennial 2007,
to be held from 1 to 9 December, at the historical Fortezza da
Basso in Florence, Italy. Hong is Singapore’s sole representative
at these two international events.
10
instep september-october 2007
Arts Around You
Central Singapore District Arts Festival
Central Singapore Community Development Council will kickstart
its month-long District Arts Festival from 2 to 24 Nov. Highlights
include:
North West Arts Festival
28 Oct – 31 Dec
The North West CDC’s Arts Festival seeks to create a vibrant
community brimming with cultural flavours, together with a sense
of appreciation and involvement in the arts. This year, the North
West Arts Festival will commence its festive activities in conjunction
with Hari Raya, Deepavali and New Year celebrations. Festival
offerings will include a variety of multi-ethnic art forms ranging
from visual arts and interactive demonstrations to performances
by celebrities and local arts groups, among other cultural acts.
Sri Lasya Arts
25 Nov, 7.30pm
TRCC Studio at Republic Polytechnic
The Community Life Arts Programme (CLAP!)
2 to 24 Nov
Prepare yourself for a month of exciting performances ranging from
the traditional art of Chinese opera, to the energetic and rhythmic
beats of percussion groups. Jive along to music from our local
bands and keep your eyes peeled for our sultry belly dancers and
more. Be sure to check out this month’s eventful line-up of music,
dance and all-round entertainment at our different venues!
Street CLAP! 7.30-9.00pm
2 Nov @ Far East Plaza
Heartlands CLAP!, 7.30-9.00pm
3 Nov @ Toa Payoh Amphitheatre
10 Nov @ Ang Mo Kio Central Stage
17 Nov @ Tiong Bahru Plaza
24 Nov @ Kreta Ayer Square
Urban CLAP!, 5.30-7.00pm
28 Nov @ Raffles Place Park
Closing Celebrations
ARTy pARTy
24 Nov, 11am to 9pm @ Waterloo Street
The Festival ends with a mega celebration at Waterloo Street.
Audience will be treated to a range of activities such as inspiring
stage performances by professional artists/arts groups and
community budding artists, roving performances, interactive arts
and craft workshops, and an arts bazaar. The event promises
something for everyone!
Enjoy inspirational Indian classical and folk dances, consisting of
both pure and depictive dance moves. Vibrant and light-hearted
acts from performers such as Kalpalathika & Dancers, Irene
Manuel & Dancers and Omkar Dancers await in this memorable
cultural performance.
Vasantha Oli
2 Dec, 6pm
Open field opposite Zhenghua Community Club
Come down and enjoy a stage show featuring popular local and
overseas talents, in a celebration of Indian culture and heritage
during this Deepavali season.
New Year Countdown
31 Dec, 7.30pm.
Open field beside Causeway Point shopping centre
The festival ends on a joyous note with the New Year countdown.
Highlights include air castles, a foam pool for children, game
stalls, hip hop competition, and a vibrant display of fireworks.
Finalists from The Dance Floor will dazzle the crowds with their
electrifying moves and rock bands and hip hop groups will also
end the Festival with a blast!
Organised by North West Community Development Council.
For more information, visit www.northwestcdc.org.sg or call
6767 2288.
For more information, visit www.centralsingaporecdc.org.sg
Get Listed!
Arts Xplosion has been given a face-lift with a fresh layout and more pages! Rebranded as Arts Beat, it will continue to be
a fortnightly guide to the arts with a comprehensive listing of free and ticketed events in Singapore.
To list an arts event/activity in Arts Beat, please email info@artsbeat.com.sg or fax +65 6291 2068 (Attention: Arts Beat)
with your event information, including a short event write-up (about 100 words), event title, date, time, venue, price,
ticketing details, contact numbers, photographs and press releases (if any). You may email high resolution digital photos
or send non-returnable photographs by post to Arts Beat, Song Lin Building #06-01, No. 1 Syed Alwi Road, S (207628).
National Arts Council 140 Hill Street, #03-01 MICA Building, Singapore 179369 Tel: (65) 6746 4622 Fax: (65) 6837 3017 www.nac.gov.sg