07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue Singapore
The Cultural Connector Usha Chandradas
Former Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) Usha Chandradas is an unshakeable force for arts advocacy and a beacon in Singapore's artistic community.
Beyond using her voice in parliament, Chandradas co-founded Plural Art Mag, an influential online platform dedicated to Southeast Asian art. As a chartered accountant (non-practising) and an advocate and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Singapore, her professional expertise extends beyond the arts, but her heart lies in championing the cultural landscape of the region. AS A CHANGEMAKER, WHAT DRIVES YOU AT YOUR CORE?
In the context of my former role as an NMP focused on arts issues, what drove me is the responsibility and privilege of giving voice to concerns from the arts community that may not otherwise be surfaced in Parliament. I saw it as an opportunity to speak up for those whose perspectives aren't always represented, and to ensure their lived experiences and aspirations are brought into our national conversation. WHAT IS THE ONE ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE YOU ARE PROUDEST OF, AND WHY?
Co-founding Plural Art Mag with my partner Pauline (who has since retired) remains one of the most meaningful things I've done. Every time an artist tells us they feel seen, heard or thoughtfully critiqued through our writing, or a writer expresses joy at being able to tell their story or share their review—it reminds me that we've created something real and valuable for the arts scene in Singapore. HOW HAVE YOU OVERCOME THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES YOU HAVE ENCOUNTERED IN YOUR JOURNEY?
The first real wave of internet flaming that I experienced was in response to my suggestion that artwork sales should be exempt from GST to help grow the industry and stimulate demand. How did I overcome it? By growing a thicker skin, sharpening my arguments and doubling down on my resolve not to be rattled by public backlash. Sometimes, noise is just that—noise—and it only strengthens your sense of why you're speaking up in the first place. What do you believe is the power of advocacy in increasing Singapore's interest in modern and contemporary Southeast Asian art?
At its heart, I think advocacy is about telling stories—about finding ways to help others see the world through your eyes or feel something you've felt. When it comes to Southeast Asian art, I believe the best way to spark curiosity or build a deeper connection is to make the experience personal. If someone walks away from an artwork feeling moved or surprised—or even unsettled—that's where real change begins. It's not about long arguments or complex theory. It's about connection.
That's why I'm drawn to exhibitions that place art in the context of everyday life—a quiet family ritual, a fleeting moment of protest or an act of care you might otherwise miss. These moments feel familiar and that's what makes the work resonate. You don't need an art history degree to be affected by that. Looking forward, what is one change you want to see in art advocacy and what can we do to get there?
I'd love to see advocacy become more inclusive, reaching beyond traditional art circles. That means meeting people where they are, be it through schools, digital platforms or everyday public spaces. If we want to build a real culture of appreciation, we need to create more points of entry for the public. The recently announced SG Culture Pass initiative is one great step in the right direction and I hope everyone uses their entitlement!
