The Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) will hold its first-ever hybrid Open House on 14 and 15 January 2022 (Friday and Saturday), 10am to 7pm daily. The Open House welcomes aspiring artists, designers, thespians, dancers, musicians, and arts administrators back to a physical space; while reaching out to prospective students across the globe through its digital offerings. Themed ‘Take Charge’, the event encourages art aspirants to boldly step forward and take ownership of their futures through a myriad of academic takeaways at one of Singapore’s leading arts institutions.
NAFA’s Open House features a line-up that ranges from a series of online and hands-on skill-building workshops to live showcases, offering more flexibility in how attendees can participate. Students can plot their creative careers through workshops including What Makes a Good Portfolio?, a session on how to assemble a stand-out professional resume, to various disciplined-focused forum webinars such as Ace Your Music Audition: Preparatory and Portfolio Tips and Fashion Branding & Marketing Workshop, where participants can acquire foundational skills relating to their areas of interest.
Future artists and creatives are also invited to hear from esteemed artist-educators, as well as students and alumni, about NAFA’s dynamic practice-based curriculum. Backed by the academy’s partnerships with eminent institutions such as University of the Arts London (UAL) and Royal College of Music (RCM), the courses are designed to prepare students for an ever-changing arts landscape, establishing global opportunities and bright future career pathways. Officers from the Ministry of Education will also be presenting webinars on the Art and Music Teaching courses for aspiring teachers and attending to related queries about the teaching programmes at their physical booth.
Parallel to virtual information forums and interactive workshops, the campus will also open its gallery doors for in-person visitors to reconnect and enjoy a full sensory experience of the arts. Highlights include performances by top prize-winners from the Chinese and Western Divisions of the 3rd Nanyang International Music Competition 2021, as well as Flagship Genius featuring Ayutthaya III, the third instalment of the hybrid showcase featuring student projects inspired by the UNESCO Heritage site, Ayutthaya.
Visitors are also welcomed to learn about NAFA’s distinctive conservatory-style dance training at Dancers @ Work, with an informal showcase influenced by Asian and Western perspectives. Other on-campus highlights include the best works by the academy’s graduating Art & Design Degree cohort and a short film screening produced by Diploma in Screen Media students.
“In uncertain times, we hope that future creatives and artists will be encouraged to take charge of their destinies - be it academically, professionally, or personally. While the format of the Open House embodies NAFA’s spirit of creativity, exploration, and resilience; we also want to underscore the creativity and innovation of the arts, inspire learning and growth, empowering them to push for opportunities and bravely venture into new endeavours.” said William Teo, Director of NAFA’s Student Admissions Office.
As in-person activities safely resume on campus, attendees can expect a multitude of art events that evokes togetherness, community, and spark new curiosities while reminding them the power and potential of shared cultural experiences. Students will enjoy a waiver of application fees when they sign up during the Open House. Interested parties may visit enrol.nafa.edu.sg/openhouse for more information.
ANNEX 1 – NAFA Open House 2022 Programme
ANNEX 2 – Background Information