NAFA celebrated its 85th Anniversary last year with much vigour and splendour. We are now a proud founding member of University of the Arts Singapore (UAS), and stand strong on a global stage in partnership with eminent institutions
including Royal College of Music, London, University of the Arts London, and Central Conservatory of Music (Beijing). As NAFA marches on to its centenary milestone, we look back with great pride on our achievements and look ahead
with great energy and confidence.
Indeed, since its founding in 1938, NAFA has transformed more than 16,000 full-time students, and over 140,000 students from our part-time and junior courses. Most notably, NAFA is proud of its illustrious
alumni which include 13 Cultural Medallion recipients such as Han Sai Por and Wee Beng Cheong, and 15 Young Artist Award recipients such as Dr Goh Toh Chai and Yeo Chee Kiong, who continue to nurture young changemakers at NAFA. We are also privileged
to have a distinguished
With NAFA’s unique identity and strength in Southeast Asian arts, its Institute of Southeast Asian Arts (ISEAA), established
in 2010 has been championing and leading Southeast Asian arts practice and research locally and internationally. The Southeast Asian Arts Forum is now an annual feature that brings together regional experts from a gamut of creative and academic
disciplines, forging and nurturing connections through the facilitation of critical discourse on practice, politics, and education of creative arts. Through its Art Galleries, ISEAA features exhibitions on Southeast Asian artists including Yong Mun Sen in Nanyang and Art School SG: Tang Da Wu, as well as seminal figures such as Tay Bak Koi, Tan Kian Por, and Yeo Hoe Koon. These have become must-see or highly sought-after exhibitions in the yearly arts and culture calendar.
At NAFA,
we believe that art is for everyone and have stayed true to our mission of inspiring learning and growth through the arts. As the only arts institution that provides learning at all ages and levels, we welcome tertiary students to our flagship
diploma, degree, and master’s programmes; adult learners to our Centre for Lifelong Education courses; young students to our junior courses in the School of Young Talents and children from 18-months old to our arts-enriched preschool education.
Through these encounters with the arts, NAFA opens the learners’ minds to the power and possibilities of how the arts can enhance their lives and change our world for the better.
Our diverse and world-class faculty at NAFA are known to be caring and great mentors. They inspire, guide, and help shape students into future-ready changemakers. With faculties in Art & Design, Performing Arts, and Interdisciplinary Practices
working closely together, NAFA’s multidisciplinary approach and strong technical foundations provide a robust canvas for arts aspirants to boldly craft their futures. Upholding our stewardship for Southeast Asian identity, we support artists
in Singapore and Southeast Asia through residency opportunities at our Cite des arts internationale Paris studios.
Journeying ahead towards NAFA100, we are excited to fill the next chapter with new areas of focus in programmes and research, leveraging technology to be at the forefront of arts and education practices. Building on our current esteemed partnerships
and alliances, we will forge ahead with new strategic partners, and pursue international outreach to nurture global citizens.
To all enthusiasts, budding artists and designers; have the courage to create and boldly empower your artistic passion. Come along and join our big NAFA family where your exciting artistic journey finds a home.
Mrs Tan-Soh Wai Lan
President
Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts