It was a pleasure to welcome Minister David Neo to NAFA for his first visit to our campus, where we shared more about our approach to arts education and the role we play in shaping Singapore’s arts and creative landscape.
During the visit, we shared how NAFA contributes to expanding access to arts education and creating pathways for aspiring artists, designers and performers. We also spoke about the role of the arts in nurturing creativity, confidence and lifelong learning, and the importance of providing diverse opportunities for individuals to pursue their artistic aspirations.
The tour began at The Ngee Ann Kongsi Galleries, where Minister Neo was introduced to Realism: The Language of Spirit, Mind and Body, a retrospective exhibition by NAFA alumnus and Cultural Medallion recipient Siew Hock Meng. Presented by Dr Bridget Tracy Tan, Senior Director, Institute of Southeast Asian Arts & Art Galleries, the exhibition showcases 46 paintings spanning the 1990s to the 2020s.
A highlight of the visit was Stroke《韵》, an interdisciplinary performance combining guqin music, contemporary movement and interactive sound technology. Minister Neo was invited to take part in the performance through a mobile interface, allowing him to influence elements of the work in real time and experience the creative process from a participant's perspective.
The visit also featured student and graduate works across a range of disciplines, including fashion, children's literature, educational storytelling and interdisciplinary creative projects. Together, they reflected the diversity of creative practice across the NAFA community and the many ways in which the arts continue to connect with audiences and everyday life.
Throughout the afternoon, Minister Neo met students and learnt more about the ideas, inspirations and processes behind their work. Conversations ranged from artistic practice and emerging technologies to the ways creativity can be applied across different disciplines and communities.
As the visit came to a close, it offered a glimpse into the breadth of creative activity taking place across NAFA, from the work of established artists such as Siew Hock Meng to student-led projects exploring new forms of artistic expression. We thank Minister Neo for taking the time to engage with our students, faculty and staff.