Latest news with #Art:Dis
Tatler Asia
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Angela Tan on how Art:Dis Singapore is breaking barriers in the arts for persons with disabilities
The executive director of Art:Dis Singapore shares how the non-profit organisation is dedicated to providing persons with disabilities equal access to arts education and professional development in the arts When Art:Dis Singapore staged Chachambo: Taking Flight as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations in 2023, the landmark disability-led music theatre work featured a main cast of 10 actors with disabilities, many of whom were graduates of its Beyond Dis:Play programme, which offers professional theatre training for persons with disabilities. In the leading role was Claire Teo, a visually-impaired artist and educator, who is also the playwright of the musical staged at Victoria Theatre. The community engagement project also included both disabled and non-disabled artists, as well as seniors from the Yong-en Active Hub, one of Art:Dis's neighbours at its Bukit Merah centre. 'During the production, the seniors got to know Claire, a trained classical soprano, and when the production ended, they asked her if she could teach them singing because they were amazed by how well she performed,' shares Angela Tan, the executive director of Art:Dis. Describing this as 'a full-circle moment' for the non-profit organisation's work in the arts and disability space, Tan adds, 'It's a whole shift in dynamics. You have a visually-impaired artist, who is now empowered by the community. I thought that it was a memorable way to cap that performance project, which has now continued [with Teo teaching the seniors].' Teo is the first visually-impaired graduate of Lasalle College of the Arts' diploma in performance programme. She recently completed a two-year industry mentorship programme with Art:Dis, and also teaches drama and mentors students at special needs and mainstream schools, senior activity centres, and performing arts colleges.
Business Times
04-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Singapore Island Country Club raises S$1.9 million for 10 charities
[SINGAPORE] The Singapore Island Country Club (SICC) raised around S$1.9 million to date at its May Day Charity 2025 event on Thursday (May 1). The funds will go towards 10 charities, including Art:Dis, Singapore Hospice Council and Singapore Association of Women's Lawyers. The selected charities support a range of causes, from mental wellness to eldercare to persons with disabilities. Ian Geoffrey Roberts, general manager at SICC, said: 'We intentionally select a wide spectrum of causes to ensure our impact touches diverse communities, rather than focusing solely on one sector like children or disabilities.' Since its inception in 1972, SICC has raised more than S$27 million at this annual event. 'Hosting it each year provides consistent support for charitable organisations that depend on reliable funding to sustain and expand their programmes,' Roberts noted. This year's May Day Charity also included various fundraising activities, such as bowling, golf and tennis. For example, at the premier charity golf tournament also held on Thursday, there were around 500 participants. Roberts said: 'Fringe activities such as competitions and community-led initiatives have been expanded and enhanced to offer members and their families more touchpoints to get involved meaningfully.' A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up Beyond financial contributions, SICC aims to also encourage sustained acts of giving through outreach booths and community-led initiatives. Roberts added: 'We aim to raise awareness of critical social issues, provide meaningful platforms for beneficiaries to share their stories, and foster long-term engagement between our club community and the organisations we support.' This year's figure is higher than the S$1.6 million collected last year, which also benefited 10 organisations. SICC hopes to continue widening its community outreach. 'At SICC, scaling the event is not simply about increasing participation – it is about deepening engagement, diversifying support and amplifying impact year after year,' explained Roberts. Donations will be open until May 31.
