Associate Professor Michael Tan is Dean (Research & Knowledge Exchange) at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), University of the Arts Singapore. He leads the Academy's research and knowledge exchange efforts, fostering interdisciplinary and cross sectoral collaborations with the arts.
Assoc Prof Tan’s research examines the intersection of creative practice, public health and cultures of care for human flourishing and health equity. He is widely recognised for advancing creative health in Singapore and his work has played a pivotal role in shaping Singapore’s arts and health ecosystem, including landmark contributions such as State of Arts and Health Development in Singapore, and his co-leadership in Healing Arts Singapore, alongside sustained cross-sector collaborations with healthcare, community and policy partners. He also collaborates extensively with leading international researchers to reinforce the global evidence base for the role of the arts in health and wellbeing and is an Affiliate Researcher with the Jameel Arts & Health Lab.
Assoc Prof Tan also develops and teaches courses in creative health and wellbeing, supervises postgraduate research, and serves as a grant reviewer, journal reviewer, programme advisor and external examiner.
Doctor of Philosophy
University of Durham
Master of Arts in Photography and Urban Culture
Goldsmiths College, University of London
The Bachelor of Fine Arts
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago