Chairman’s Message
In obscure times, it is clear that NAFA remains focused on our mission to inspire learning and growth through the arts, while staying true to our vision and core values.
Although rare, a once-in-lifetime global cataclysm might force us into introspection and dramatically alter our methods and perspectives just to survive. COVID-19 proved to be that adjuvant. At Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), where challenges are invariably seen as opportunities to grow, we looked not just to survive, but to thrive. Looking back at the past year, the pandemic served as a chapter for renewal as we stayed true to the NAFA spirit of creativity, exploration and resilience. I express my gratitude to the steadfast organisational leadership seen at all levels throughout the academy, from staff to faculty. Together, we have weathered one year of the pandemic and defied adversity.
Before moving forward, it is important to take stock of past milestones, celebrate our achievements, bookmark our highlights and commemorate our efforts. When COVID-19 first struck us, unprecedented safe management measures were put in place, unravelling events that have been conscientiously planned for. In the early months of Singapore’s Circuit Breaker, our NAFA family worked feverishly to adapt to new regulations and ensure the safety of our community, digitising suitable physical facets of shows and exhibitions for online audiences, while postponing and restructuring others. It is this agility, combined with creative problem solving, that ensured our classes, programmes and exhibitions smoothly transited into the new normal.
In this Year in Review, you will read about the many events and projects that have carried on in virtual and physical formats, and the challenges and competitions which students have put themselves through as they boldly went forth against all odds in the pursuit of excellence. From exhibitions which traversed difficult themes to online fundraising efforts put up by alumni scholars, from virtual music competitions for our young talents to being a part of TEDxSingapore, these are testimonies of the passion and resilience of the NAFA community.
Growing from strength to strength, NAFA announced three new degree programmes for art and design in Singapore, in partnership with the world leading University of the Arts London (UAL). With UAL joining the Royal College of Music and University of Essex as NAFA’s partners, it underscored NAFA’s global outlook and foresight in providing strong and diverse academic pathways, cementing its eminent status in Asia. This move looks to nurture our students to be versatile and harness a critical transdisciplinary perspective for an ever-changing arts landscape.
This metamorphic announcement was followed swiftly by the establishment of a new-found alliance between NAFA and LASALLE College of the Arts, to launch Singapore’s first university of the arts. The alliance enables both institutions to gather their finest minds and best resources, strengthen the tertiary arts education pathways in Singapore, advance the nation’s creative talent pool and raise the quality of the arts in the region. It also looks to expand on the diversity of opportunities for both students and faculty. Moreover, this move cements NAFA’s position of prominence around the globe.
In obscure times, it is clear that NAFA remains focused on our mission to inspire learning and growth through the arts, while staying true to our vision and core values. Moving forward, it is imperative that we stay on track as a leading arts institution, to enrich lives and communities through education and practice. The NAFA spirit of creativity, exploration and resilience is the golden thread which underpins our academy’s philosophy. This will not change and remains ever relevant.
I would like to express my appreciation to our dedicated Board members, management, faculty and staff for standing by NAFA when the academy most needs you, and for your endeavours in helping us flourish. To our friends and partners, donors, alumni; as well as the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, thank you for your continuous and invaluable support. We look forward to another year of success with you. To our ex-President Mr Chia Mia Chiang, thank you for your many years of hard work, leadership and devotion to NAFA—you have redefined and refined our institution towards greatness, and our new President Mrs Tan-Soh Wai Lan will continue your good work to steer us in the right direction.
NAFA’s legacy does not belong to any one individual, but is the collective spirit and efforts of all who have walked through its doors. While we take on another year of highs and lows, remember that every one of you can make a positive change to NAFA and the greater arts industry. It is now more than ever, that the world can be made a brighter and more inclusive space through the arts. Let us continue to make and be the difference.
Ms Low Sin Leng
Chairman
Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
