Latest news with #NationalArtsCouncil
CNA
3 days ago
- Business
- CNA
CNA938 Rewind - Can self-employed persons in the arts thrive in Singapore? Artists say Yes, with the right support
CNA938 Rewind In 'Culture Club', Melanie Oliveiro finds out more about the 'Arts Acceleration Programme for Arts Self-Employed Persons', which started in April, and jointly organised by UOB FinLab and the National Arts Council. A couple of experienced self-employed persons: music director Evan Low, and visual artist and illustrator Toby Tan will share their expertise in diversifying opportunities, harnessing digital tools for entrepreneurship, and leveraging personal branding, among other things.
Malay Mail
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Breaking Boundaries with the AFTEC Jockey Club Creative Futures Project
Leading Educational Experts Convene at Knowledge Exchange Festival 2025 Navigating Collective Creative Futures through Arts Education HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 24 May 2025 - To foster greater understanding and facilitate dialogue on creative teaching and learning among stakeholders in education and the arts, AFTEC, with funding from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, presents theon 23 – 24 May 2025 at the Hong Kong Maritime Museum. This two-day festival, themed, is a flagship annual festival of the. It has attracted over 500 representatives from educational and arts communities to explore the pivotal role of creativity and creative thinking in talent development and industry distinguished guest speakers from overseas and Hong Kong, including Professor Anne Bamford OBE, Director of the International Research Agency and globally celebrated arts education researcher; Ms May Tan, Director (Education & Development), National Arts Council, Singapore; and Mr Irgel Enkhsaikhan and Mr Louis Schulz from Assemble Studio, the renowned London-based architecture and design collective and winner of the 2015 Turner Prize. These experts shared insights from the UK and Singapore, exploring how creative thinking shapes career development in the arts and beyond, and fuels cross-sector collaboration and key panel discussions delved into pertinent topics. The first discussion,, assessed the current professional landscape and future career pathways for arts educators in Hong Kong. The second panel,, will provide insights into how different creative industries and medical sector utilise creative thinking to nurture talent and drive industry growth. Additionally, two interactive sessions will be held. Participants engaged in a children's book illustration workshop,, facilitated by illustrators, educators, and publishers. Another session,, a playful hat-making workshop led by Assemble Studio, offered attendees hands-on experiences in cross-sector creative practices., said, "The value of the arts is often diminished by the pursuit of standardised answers. AFTEC is dedicated to promoting asset-based learning to eliminate the fear of being wrong. When teachers overly emphasise rigid curriculum frameworks and suppress creativity, students become reluctant to voice their thoughts, trapping classrooms in a cycle that focuses on deficits rather than potential. The key to transformation lies in education shifting from 'compensating for weaknesses' to 'developing strengths.' We do not need to hide weaknesses — instead, we empower everyone to leverage their unique qualities."Building on the success of an earlier pilot initiative, theis a multi-level creative learning programme designed to build a robust community of arts educators. Participants employ interdisciplinary practical teaching strategies based on the 5Cs—Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Contribution—to co-design curriculum content. Through interactive, arts-based cross-disciplinary learning methods, creative practitioners collaborate with teachers to bridge traditional and creative classroom teaching, enhancing students' creativity and learning autonomy. On the second day of the, thewill announce the 12 schools selected as Creative Schools, which will implement arts-based interdisciplinary creative learning from 2025 to and Culture is one of the priority funding areas for the Club's Charities Trust., highlighted in her opening speech that, "AFTEC truly prioritises students' needs. The innovative launch of thebrings fresh energy to Hong Kong's traditional education model."For further information about the, please visit To enhance cross-border collaboration in arts education, two other special sessions were held during the same week. Thebrought together 34 distinguished educational professionals and arts educators from various provinces and cities in the Mainland alongside Hong Kong school representatives from the. Under the theme "Integrating Arts and Education," participants engaged in meaningful discussions, sharing experiences and exploring the transformative power of arts session,, chaired by Professor Anne Bamford OBE, aimed to investigate how creative thinking is defined, prioritised, and nurtured in various Asian cities, highlighting cultural similarities and differences. Hong Kong served as the starting point for this research initiative, which will subsequently expand to other Asian cities. The session was attended by experts from bringing together stakeholders from the business sectors, creative industries, cultural and educational institutions, arts and creative practitioners, as well as stakeholders from medicine, social innovation, and entrepreneurship, the project seeks to comprehensively examine diverse interpretations and practices of creative thinking across cultures. Research findings will be shared with UNESCO and the #AFTEC The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About AFTEC Advancing creative learning and arts education in Hong Kong Creativity allows us to recognise potential within ourselves and the world around us. It promotes problem-solving, nurtures relationships, cultivates resilience, and can transform lives in countless ways. At AFTEC, we work with students, educators, and creative practitioners to plant the seeds of creativity in our community. As a proudly homegrown Hong Kong organisation, we nurture the city's greatest natural resource — its people. Through co-designed, collaborative, and inclusive bilingual education programmes, we create supportive environments where young minds are free to explore, express, and flourish. We spark imagination, build confidence, and foster a sense of growth and belonging together.
Gulf Weekly
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Weekly
Bridging the Gulf
The Bahrain Businesswomen's Society is set to launch its third annual art exhibition today, May 22, at the Safeya Ali Kanoo Hub, under the patronage of National Arts Council member Shaikha Dwa bint Khalid Al Khalifa, bringing together works by 12 Bahraini artists and four guest artists from Kuwait. The showcase, titled Wasl, which means 'connection' in Arabic, explores artistic and cultural ties across the Gulf, highlighting women's creativity, regional heritage, and innovation in visual storytelling. 'This exhibition is a great opportunity to showcase the talents of our members and promote the value of art and culture,' the society's board member and economic and cultural committee head Manar Sirriyeh told GulfWeekly. 'In its third edition, Wasl features a total of 16 artists whose work celebrates intellectual innovation and creative exchange. 'It's a powerful step in strengthening Bahrain's cultural identity.' Participating Bahraini artists include Amina Hasan, Aysha Akbari, Fatemah Al Dilawer, Safeya Kanoo, Nawal Al Sabbagh, Salwa Al Moayyed, Noor Al Sairafi, Latifa Al Shaikh, Fareeda Bader, Rand Alkishtaini, Waheeda Al Doy, and Badriya Abdulrahman. They are joined by Kuwaiti artists Amira Ashkanani, Ibtesam Alosfour, Dr Jamila Salem, and Dr Abeer Alkandari. Amina, a member of the Society and contributing artist, is showcasing two paintings: The Peacock, symbolising elegance and inner strength, and a piece depicting a traditional Bahraini folk dance. 'Art is a personal journey of discovery and expression,' she added. 'In this exhibition, I present two artworks that are close to my heart.' Meanwhile, Rand's contributions include functional art pieces – handmade palm straw table lamps – and a vibrant, playful painting highlighting the regional symbol of the palm tree. 'My pieces in the exhibition explore the theme of connection through both functionality and cultural symbolism,' she added. 'The Tala table lamps are designed with a sustainable approach, using natural palm straw to highlight the artistic idea behind the small palm tree, called 'Tala' in Arabic. 'This piece connects nature, tradition, and modern design, emphasising how sustainable materials can foster a deeper bond with our environment. 'The painting reflects a joyful, childish style with vibrant colours that evoke energy and positivity. 'The palm tree, a familiar plant in our region, symbolises growth and resilience, further reinforcing the idea of connection to nature, community, and cultural roots. Noor's work, from her Chromaflora series, uses flowers as metaphors for memory and identity. From Kuwait, Amira brings two paintings under the title Love of a Woman, drawing on themes of beauty and femininity through decorative and abstract styles. 'I always draw inspiration for my artwork from women and their interests in beauty, colour, and symbolic expression,' said Amira, a veteran artist and former art education supervisor in Kuwait's Education Ministry. 'Wasl is a beautiful opportunity to share my work in a regional context and connect with fellow artists.' Organisers say the event represents a growing commitment to supporting female artists and fostering a thriving arts scene in Bahrain. 'Our society believes in the power of culture and creativity to inspire and empower,' said the society's president Dr Fatima Al Kooheji. With themes ranging from tradition and heritage to identity, sustainability, and abstraction, the exhibition is a vibrant testament to the artistic links being formed across the Gulf. It welcomes visitors of all ages to experience this celebration of regional creativity and women's voices in art. The exhibition will be inaugurated today at noon and run daily from 9am to 9pm until May 28.
Straits Times
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Forum: More can be done to ensure Singapore's live music scene thrives
Forum: More can be done to ensure Singapore's live music scene thrives As someone who straddles both the legal and music scenes, I read the recent article ''The streets were full of laughter': What happened to Clarke Quay, Keong Saik Road and Club Street?' (May 2) with a sense of familiarity. The article captured the sobering reality that many nightlife operators – and, by extension, the musicians who perform in these venues – face today. Singapore's live music scene has always had its passionate advocates and hardworking artistes. While support structures such as grants from the National Arts Council (NAC) exist, many performers find it challenging to navigate them, especially when their focus is on securing regular gigs and rehearsing for shows. For working musicians, particularly those who play in bars and clubs, the economics can be difficult. Venue owners, operating under tight margins, often struggle to offer rates that reflect the time and effort artistes put in. This isn't a new problem. But with the rising cost of living, changing consumption habits, and shifting licensing policies, it has become more pronounced. Musicians, many of whom perform part-time or freelance, may feel the ripple effects of bar closures more acutely than others. Fewer venues mean fewer opportunities to perform, build followings, and generate income. At the same time, there are signs of thoughtful change. Schemes like the SG Culture Pass and NAC's grants show that there is institutional recognition of the value of local music. What might help, however, is a stronger linkage between these initiatives and the independent music scenes that exist within nightlife spaces. Whether through co-funded performances, simplified grant access, or direct venue support, small enhancements could go a long way in keeping live music viable. Singapore has no shortage of musical talent. The question is how we can continue creating spaces for these voices to be heard – sustainably, and in ways that honour both economic realities and cultural contribution. A collaborative approach involving policymakers, venue operators and artistes themselves may offer the best chance of preserving what makes live music such a vital part of the city's fabric. Theophilus Darius Thomas More on this Topic Forum: What readers are saying Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
CNA
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
CNA938 Rewind - Showbiz scion Calvert Tay strikes out on his own
CNA938 Rewind Play In 'Culture Club', Melanie Oliveiro speaks with singer-songwriter, entrepreneur and actor Calvert Tay, who is now celebrating the release of his latest single 'In The Next Life'. Tay will talk at length about the song, which is about the pain that comes with losing a loved one. He'll also talk about his TikTok videos that show how he typically puts a song together using audio editing software. The Mandopop star, who is also the son of veteran Singapore actors Hong Huifang and Zheng Geping, will talk about his other singles, business ventures and acting roles. Discover more Singaporean music and musicians – like Calvert Tay – at an initiative by the National Arts Council, produced by independent music media company Bandwagon.
