Latest news with #Art:Dis
Business Times
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Times
Art:Dis launches art studio for persons with disabilities, with funding from GIC
[SINGAPORE] Non-profit organisation Art:Dis, which supports persons with disabilities in the arts, will launch its own art studio at Pocket Fest, a mini arts festival promoting inclusivity in the arts this weekend. 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.' 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 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
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.
