A vibrant arts ecosystem where our creatives excel

1.              I am very delighted to join all of you here today for the opening of the 3rd edition of the “Temenggong-SG-Creatives” by Temenggong Artists-In-Residence.
 
Introduction
 
2.              I know that Temenggong Artists-In-Residence was established in 2009. Temenggong Artists-In-Residence fosters a deeper appreciation for the arts, heritage, and culture in Singapore by showcasing very high-quality works. As one of Singapore’s early pioneers in customised arts residencies, it is indeed a very dynamic place where local and foreign artists come together to collaborate, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. To me, it is more than a residency, because Temenggong Artists-in-Residence is a community of artists shaping our cultural landscape.
 
3.              One of the Temenggong Artists-In-Residence’s key programmes that I have always been very excited about is “Temenggong-SG-Creatives”. This annual exhibition brings together creative minds from the fields of not just arts, but also design, advertising, and architecture, to collaborate and create compelling visual art.  
 
4.              This evening, we come together to celebrate the inspired works of three creatives who come from diverse creative backgrounds. They share with us their interpretation of what art means to them through their exhibited works, based on the theme of The Presence of Memory, or in Mandarin, “不忘初心”.
 
5.              A familiar face to many, Danny Yeo 杨君伟, is an award-winning television host with three decades of experience spanning radio, television, print, and film. In recent years, Danny has been active in theatre directing and acting. I have known him for a long time. For this exhibition, Danny created a new three-part series of pottery works titled ‘Tales of Mountains and Seas 山海经’, ‘Tales of Waves and Sands, 浪淘沙’, and ‘Tales of Takers and Leavers 薪火传’. And we asked him, what does [his work] mean? To Danny, pottery serves as the most basic form of storytelling. Through the process of shaping mud into pots, Danny reflects the intricate connection between the human imagination and nature. 
 
6.              Our second artist, Marcus Lim, is a writer, director, journalist, and academic. He is the director behind the award-winning feature film, The Man On The Other Side’. This film hit Netflix in January this year. The artwork Marcus presents this evening is a multi-sensory piece titled ‘Para Sol’ and ‘Para Iluvia’. Comprising both indoor and outdoor components, Marcus shared that this installation represents his response to the transient nature of art. 
 
7.              Thirdly, we have Nathan Yong, a celebrated designer who has received numerous awards, including the coveted Designer of the Year at the Singapore President’s Design Award 2008. This evening, Nathan presents a sculptural piece that is titled ‘[LETTERBOX]’. Many of you will recognise the inspiration behind Nathan’s work. You will also be captivated by Nathan’s ingenious use of this ubiquitous object to explore questions of personal identity and artistic expression.
 
Our Shared Culture and Experiences

6.              Our arts and culture really play a critical role in shaping our Singaporean identity and they enrich our uniquely Singaporean way of life. You will all agree that in our wonderfully diverse society, it is our shared cultures and experiences that are essential in connecting people, fostering understanding, and bridging differences. That is why it is not just about the Singaporean community here, but also welcoming our friends from other countries who are here to support the arts.
 
7.              Our arts and culture have also come a long way. I want to thank all the arts and culture practitioners for your dedication and perseverance. Today, we boast a vibrant and diverse cultural landscape that includes a wide range of cultural institutions, practitioners, and art groups. Many of them are here today, including this evening’s organisers, Temenggong Artists-In-Residence.
 
Making Arts Accessible through Building a Vibrant Sector
 
8.              Tonight is really special because this event is an example of how initiatives led by private organisations, like Temenggong Artists-in-Residence, complement the Government’s efforts to build an inclusive landscape for the arts and culture sector. We are very appreciative, and we cherish the programmes that Temenggong Artists-in-Residence roll out to the community. The arts inspire creative expression and is a celebration of everyday life in Singapore. It is very important to remember and ensure that the arts remain accessible, regardless of the financial situation at home. It must be accessible to all children and all strata, regardless of background abilities. Our artists play an integral role in inspiring us through their artwork, like [those by] Nathan, Marcus, and Danny.

Our SG Arts Plan (2023 – 2027) 
 
9.              I want to take this occasion to share that the Government is committed to the professional development of our artists, and in advancing the growth of the arts sector. Two months ago, Minister Edwin Tong launched Our SG Arts Plan (2023 – 2027), a key strategic five-year roadmap for the arts sector. We did not do this in isolation; we developed it in consultation with over 16,500 stakeholders, arts and cultural practitioners, and cultural institutions. This plan outlines how the Government will partner all the arts and cultural stakeholders to shape Singapore as a Distinctive City, as a Connected Society, and also as a Creative Economy through the arts. I mentioned earlier that the arts can lead to a creative economy. It does not need to be something that is done as a hobby. It can really enrich us, not just spiritually. We need to make sure that [the arts also support [the artists’]] family by helping [the artists] in their career development and vocation.
 
10.           A key aspect of Our SG Arts Plan is for everyone to get involved and create together. Tonight’s event is an excellent example. It is very heartening to see private organisations like Temenggong Artists-in-Residence offering programmes and opportunities for artists and the community. These initiatives are important to MCCY because it creates valuable spaces for arts practitioners and creatives to come together to connect, to inspire one another and make art together.
 
11.           Let us all continue to work together to create a vibrant arts ecosystem where our artists can excel in their diverse fields and creative endeavours. 
 
Conclusion
 
12.           In closing, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Henri Chen (Founder, Temenggong Artists-In-Residence) and the entire team from Temenggong Artists-in-Residence, for their dedication in promoting greater appreciation for the arts, culture and heritage.
 
13.           On behalf of everyone, I want to extend our heartiest congratulations to our three artists, Danny, Marcus and Nathan – our talented artists – on the successful opening of the Temenggong-SG-Creatives 2023. Thank you for sharing your creative works and inspiring us. 
 
14.           I’m very sure this exhibition will inspire us to appreciate the arts and encourage us to reflect how [the arts] will add greater meaning to all our life, especially in today’s very globalised and volatile world. Let us all come together as a community, appreciate the arts and culture, discuss how we can further exchange ideas, and build on each other’s energy to create art as a community.

15.           Thank you.