Art Takes Flight at Changi Airport

Good afternoon, everyone. I am delighted to be here today as we embark on a very exciting partnership.

Today marks a significant milestone in Singapore's cultural landscape. This partnership between the National Arts Council and Changi Airport Group is a bold reimagining of how we present our artistic excellence to the world. We all know that when we travel, the first impression is really important, and we want to make sure that for any of the foreign visitors who come, they will be able to experience our Singapore arts and culture.

Art reflecting our identity

This dynamic collaboration reflects our strong belief that our arts shape who we are as a nation. By coming together to showcase our rich artistic heritage right here at Changi Airport, it is not only creating a distinctive first and last impression for some 70 million travellers annually, but also presenting our distinctive Singaporean identity to the world.

Strengthening our position as an arts hub

Changi Airport is already renowned as a world-class air hub. Today, by coming together—joining forces between NAC and CAG—for our artists, we want Singapore, as well as Changi Airport, to be known as a cultural gateway, where travellers discover, appreciate and experience the best of Singapore's creativity and talents.

Today’s hallmark partnership not only strengthens Singapore’s position as a regional arts and cultural hub, but it also enhances our appeal to international visitors, investors, and talent. A lot of movers and shakers, business leaders – they come to Singapore through Changi Airport. We want to leave an impression on them.

As part of this three-year cooperation, visitors can look forward to a rich tapestry of arts experiences across the airport. These include interactive Sing Lit poetry programmes and displays, as well as live performances by emerging local musicians, and immersive visual arts installations during Singapore Art Week. Today’s programme, after the MOU signing, offers a preview of what is to come. We will hear a poetry reading by acclaimed local poet and author Crispin Rodrigues, enjoy a music performance by our very own Shazza, and have a chance to experience a typewriter poetry booth.

Artists as ambassadors

On behalf of MCCY and the amazing team in NAC, I want to say this to our wonderful artists who are with us: you are stepping into an important role as Singapore's cultural ambassadors to the world. This is a unique opportunity for our artists to present your work on an exceptional platform. For many visitors, your artwork may be their first encounter with Singapore’s diverse arts scene. As they experience it, it could well open doors to international collaborations, commissions, and recognition beyond traditional venues. I think it really opens doors to a lot of opportunity. Your art will become part of Singapore's voice in its conversation with the world.

Conclusion

On that note, I would like to say a big thank you to the hardworking teams at NAC and CAG, who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this far-sighted partnership to life. Your commitment to excellence and innovation reflects the visionary spirit that sets Singapore apart on the world stage.

Today’s MOU is more than just the start of a cooperation. We are affirming our vision of Singapore as a nation where creativity and culture are woven into the fabric of our Singaporean identity. I am very confident that Singapore’s artistic talent will reach visitors from around the globe, shaping their impression of our nation as a vibrant, distinctive city, one masterpiece at a time.

Thank you.