Media featured the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts’ (NAFA) 85th Anniversary Gala at Capella Singapore on 2 Sep 2023, where Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong attended as Guest of Honour. During the event, DPM Wong shared in his speech that the Government has been investing more in the arts over the years. Investments in arts education will continue, in order to meet the growing needs of creative professionals in the economy and provide diverse pathways for people to excel based on their aspirations and abilities. For instance, the University of the Arts Singapore, a government-supported private university formed by an alliance between LASALLE College of the Arts and NAFA, will open its doors in August 2024.
At the event attended by 300 guests, DPM Wong said NAFA has played a key role in showcasing Singapore and Southeast Asian art to the world through its many international partnerships and collaborations. It had also launched the Living Archive of Contemporary Asian Art, a platform for research, academia and practice. In 2024, it will offer sponsored artist residencies for Singaporean and Southeast Asian artists at its studios at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris, allowing them to network and exchange ideas with the global arts community. This initiative, starting in 2024, aims to encourage international artistic collaboration. The program has been running since 1998, hosting over 70 artists.
“Without NAFA, the arts and culture scene in Singapore would not be the same today,” said DPM Wong. DPM Wong also received a calligraphy painting with the Chinese word for “courage” from NAFA Chairman Low Sin Leng, with Gala Committee Chairman Dr Lucy Ooi. The calligraphy piece was written by Dr Ho Kah Leong, a former member of parliament who once served as President for NAFA.
Read more on The Straits Times, Lianhe Zaobao, Berita Harian and Tamil Murasu.
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