The Lu Foundation has pledged S$1 million to the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), founding member of the University of the Arts Singapore (UAS), to establish the Lu Foundation Genesis Grant. The grant will support NAFA’s talent development initiatives, strengthening programmes that nurture emerging artists and creative practitioners.
The gift will be disbursed over ten years at S$100,000 annually, beginning from Financial Year (FY) 2026/2027. This sustained commitment will enable NAFA to support multiple cohorts of students over time, reinforcing its efforts to nurture and develop promising artistic talent.
The Lu Foundation Genesis Grant will boost NAFA’s talent development initiatives: Special Projects and the NAFA Talent Development Programme (NTDP) overseas travel grant.
Special Projects is a signature programme that supports NAFA alumni and faculty to undertake high-calibre projects that contribute to Singapore’s arts and design landscape and beyond. Established in 2021, the award has supported alumni such as Ricky Sim to put up an immersive interdisciplinary performance exhibition at Singapore Night Festival 2025, and Yeo Chee Kiong to create a site-specific sculpture project ‘Teleporting Juming 2024’ for Museum of Contemporary Art Taipei (refer to Annex of selected Special Projects).
Complementing this, the NAFA Talent Development Programme (NTDP) provides selected exemplary current students with mentorship, industry exposure and diverse development opportunities to support their artistic growth. As part of NTDP, overseas learning trips broaden students’ horizons beyond the classroom by exposing them to new cultures, artistic practices and global perspectives. The NTDP overseas travel grant supports up to 80 students annually. NTDP students have utilised the grant to attend major festivals such as the D&AD Festival in London, Tokyo Biennale, Venice Biennale Architettura, Venice Biennale Arte; masterclasses, mentorship and competitions in Austria, Hong Kong, Iloilo, Seoul, and many others.
One such student is NAFA’s Megan Tee, who has been selected as an ambassador for the Singapore Pavilion at the upcoming 2026 Venice Biennale. A participant of the NTDP, Megan previously completed an internship with National Gallery Singapore and worked closely with her NTDP mentor while preparing her application to the ambassador programme. Her selection marks a significant milestone and reflects the calibre of students nurtured through NAFA’s talent development initiatives.
“Behind every opportunity for a young artist is the belief that their creativity can make a meaningful difference to culture and society,” said Mrs Tan-Soh Wai Lan, President of NAFA, UAS. “We are truly grateful to the Lu Foundation for their generosity and vision with the Lu Foundation Genesis Grant that strengthens our talent development programmes for the NAFA community. Their gift will open up valuable opportunities for our talents to explore bold artistic ideas, grow in confidence, and reach new milestones in their creative journeys.”
“At the Lu Foundation, we believe that supporting aspiring young artists is vital to the growth of a vibrant cultural community. We are pleased to partner with NAFA in nurturing the next generation of creative talent through the Genesis Grant. We hope this support will empower students to explore new ideas, develop their artistic voices and contribute meaningfully to the cultural landscape of Singapore and beyond,” said Mr John Lu, Chairman, Lu Foundation.
The gift agreement was formally signed on 11 March 2026, marking the start of a partnership between NAFA and the Lu Foundation that reflects a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists and creative leaders.
More information, high resolution images and an annex of selected Special Projects are available here.
About Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), established in 1938, is Singapore’s pioneer arts institution and a founding member of University of the Arts Singapore (UAS). Renowned for its strength in Southeast Asian arts, NAFA is also recognised for its rigorous, practice-led curriculum, interdisciplinary approach, and strong engagement with the creative community. This commitment is reflected in initiatives such as the Institute of Southeast Asian Arts (ISEAA), which advances artistic practice and research in the region.
With 16 Cultural Medallion and 15 Young Artist Award alumni, NAFA has nurtured some of the nation’s most celebrated artists and creative practitioners. Supporting learners at various stages of learning, from early arts education to diploma, degree, postgraduate, and continuing education programmes, NAFA offers educational pathways across art, design, performing arts, and interdisciplinary practices, guided by its mission of “inspiring learning and growth through the arts”.
For more information, visit www.nafa.edu.sg and follow us @nafa_sg on Instagram.
About Lu Foundation
Lu Foundation is a charitable organisation dedicated to improving education and talent development for underprivileged families in Singapore and beyond. It provides scholarships, training programmes, and life skills initiatives to enhance knowledge and benefit society as a whole. Its mission is to reach out to needy families with support that benefits them and create equal opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to succeed.
For media queries, please contact:
Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
Chin Wei Chong
Director, Marketing & Communications Office
Email: [email protected]
Shevonne Ang
Lead, Marketing & Communications Office
Email: [email protected]
Lu Foundation
Melody Toh
Director
Email: [email protected]