Art:Dis launches art studio for persons with disabilities, with funding from GIC
Sovereign wealth fund GIC will provide funding of S$600,000 over the next three years for Art:Dis Studio, in an initiative to improve the employability of persons with disabilities (PWDs) by providing vocational training and gig-matching opportunities.
Angela Tan, executive director of Art:Dis, (*see amendment note below), said: 'The S$600,000 will primarily support stipends for PWDs taking part in the supported studio programme, ensuring they are compensated for their time and creative contributions. It will also cover essential costs related to artist training, materials and the production of merchandise, enabling us to sustain a professional and empowering creative ecosystem for our artists.'
Art:Dis Studio, which had a soft opening in 2024, will expand beyond its pilot phase; it is expected to benefit 80 artists.
Tan said: 'Through our pilot, we focused on individuals not engaged in full-time employment and discovered significant untapped potential. Many of them possessed strong creative capabilities but lacked the structure, networks and confidence to turn this into sustainable income.'
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Noting Singapore's national target of achieving employment for four in 10 PWDs by 2030, she said many of them are now hired in roles to fill manpower gaps, 'which may not always align with the diverse talents, interests and capacities of PWDs'.
She added that Art:Dis Studio provides 'alternative employment pathways', where trainees can be supported in a structured studio environment and earn income.
The opportunities available to trainees will be tailored to their strengths. The studio hopes to facilitate gig-based engagements for those who can work independently. These opportunities could include, for example, commissioned artwork, design projects and corporate or public workshops. Those who need additional support will work with trainers to create original merchandise.
Deanna Ong, chief people officer at GIC, said: 'Our partnership with ART:DIS began a decade ago and has evolved from supporting foundational programmes to empowering artists with disabilities to earn a livelihood through their talents. Our support for this new programme goes beyond funding to include the commitment of our employee volunteers, who provide support to trainees as they work within the studio.'
Tan said Art:Dis Studio will also give trainees the opportunity to build their social skills, as they connect with other creatives and educators.
'This social connectedness plays a critical role in addressing the isolation many experience after graduating from special-education schools, particularly if they are unable to access open employment pathways,' she added.
Trainees will also take the reins as lead or co-facilitator of hands-on workshops, where they can teach their craft to others. Tan noted that many companies these days are increasingly incorporating such workshops for their employees or clients.
'Over time, these opportunities not only provide income, but also help build our artists' confidence and sense of purpose, while fostering inclusive spaces where participants can connect meaningfully with them through the shared art-making experience,' she said.
Pocket Fest will be held at Objectifs, an independent non-profit visual arts space in Middle Road. The mini arts festival will feature 55 artists with disabilities in exhibitions and workshops in areas such as coffee art-making and clay craft, and members of the public can meet and talk to them about their work.
Tan said: 'Ultimately, we hope attendees leave with a deeper appreciation for the artists' talents, a renewed sense of how each of us can support PWDs, and a more human understanding of how creativity can bring us closer together.'
Amendment note: The quote has been amended to correctly reflect the attribution
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