Art Unites: Connecting Communities and Fostering Social Good

1. A very good afternoon. I am happy to join you here today for the launch of the Mapletree Art with a Purpose initiative.

2. It is so opportune because this week was the Singapore Art Week and we had a very good week, lots of activities, events. And I think overall, the mindshare was perhaps the most important achievement of Singapore Art Week, to be able to put Singapore in the middle of the map and to have everyone mark down that week in January to be in Singapore to attend the Art Week and ArtSG in Singapore, was something that allowed us to brand Singapore quite differently, but also allowed us an opportunity to develop mindshare amongst the entire art ecosystem in Asia and around the world.

a. I believe that arts play a vital role in building a connected society. The initiatives that you have today, the intersection between art as an art form, and art as a driver of social well-being and inclusion is something that we can never underestimate. It is really important in the way in which it is structured, where you support the artist through the artwork and the social service agencies. This is really wonderful.

b. And I think indeed, this shows that art has that unique ability to cut across different barriers, transcend boundaries, and bring different segments of the public and our society together.

c. And indeed, through art, we also learn something about the world and what we see in the world, which is unique from person to person.

d. And so having said that, public art, and having art in the common spaces in Singapore, is something that helps us to develop mindshare among Singaporeans as well. I personally believe that you don't just have to appreciate art in galleries, in museums, but you should be able to appreciate art everywhere, where you work, live and play. And I think your initiative at Mapletree has contributed to that.

Mapletree's continued contributions to Singapore's arts and heritage

3. Over the years, Mapletree has demonstrated a very steadfast commitment to supporting the development of Singapore's arts and heritage ecosystem.

a. Indeed, right here at Mapletree Business City, there are 13 public sculptures and 2 artefacts, strategically placed in common areas where public often gather for interaction and recreation, and as I said, having the art right here where you work.

4. In particular, my attention was drawn to two artefacts at Mapletree Business City, which has of course captured the attention of many others:

a. The first, the Merryweather Fire Engine, built in 1938, one of only two in Singapore today. It is very iconic, in fact I've seen all the postcards and currently displayed in my room is the Merryweather postcard, as well as the next one that I'm going to talk about, which is

b. The former Fullerton Lighthouse lantern, and some of you in fact, would have encountered this as you entered the business park. Originally installed at the top of the Fullerton Building, which was of course many years ago the shoreline of Singapore, which stood to guide ships into Singapore's harbour. And I think these are all very iconic, very meaningful, and I'm glad that you have put them into postcards so that they will be with us for posterity.

c. I also think that these artefacts are more than historical relics; they are conversation starters. They are reminders of what Singapore used to have, used to be, and they are also little bits of our heritage that we carry with us, so it's useful even as we progress and look at six decades of independence, that we retain a little bit of the old to remind us of what it used to be, as we look forward to the future.

5. Today, we are witnessing the launch of the Mapletree Art with a Purpose initiative, and I also want to say a little bit about the three artists.

6. We have three very talented artists – Ms Angeline Chen Ziyue, Ms Huang Lei, and Ms Ang Shi Min – illustrated the artefacts and sculptures in a very unique series of pop-up postcards.

a. They are not just flat 2D postcards; they are pop-up postcards. They can stand on their own, so you can display them like I have on my shelf, so I highly encourage you, whether through the vending machine there or elsewhere, to pick up a set for yourself.

b. These postcards are a wonderful example of how I believe art can connect with everyday people in everyday lives, and at the same time creating opportunities for artists to grow their careers.

Contributing to the vibrancy and diversity of the arts scene

7. This initiative goes beyond just supporting the artist. It also plays a big part in giving our social service sector a boost.

a. Ninety percent of the proceeds from the sale, as you heard earlier, of these postcards will be donated to Boys' Town and Beyond Social Services.

8. This initiative shows how art can do good. It is also a good example of how we envision more organisations coming together, intertwining, forming networks, relying on one another, collaborating, and this is what we envisage in our Arts Plan (2023-2027), our new five-year arts plan.

a. With support, our artists and arts groups can create, can present, and I believe they have talent of very high quality. It is also a representation of the diversity that Singapore has, that captures the imagination of the public, and bring arts to Singaporeans.

9. So, I encourage all of us, whether you are artists, partners, practitioners, or someone in the audience, to think about how we can all play a role or play a part in contributing to the growing vibrancy and diversity of the arts scene in Singapore.

10. I've often made the point that to grow the arts scene is a multifaceted, multilateral effort. It's not just government alone, although we play a big part, it's not just NAC alone, although they play a big part, but it's the private sector coming together with patrons, and perhaps most importantly, audiences. Art is nothing without the appreciation of an audience, and so I encourage everyone to take part, play a role in coming to our performances, come to our exhibitions. I think you will find that there's always something in there for you.

11. One more reminder as we celebrate SG60.

12. There will be a triple bill of special arts and heritage events this year where Singaporeans can explore Singapore's role in the world in the new exhibition at the National Museum of Singapore. We can also encounter Singaporean artists' works at the revamped DBS Singapore Gallery at the National Gallery of Singapore, and finally, at the Singapore Biennale later this year.

a. More details will be shared by the respective cultural institutions, and I hope that you take some time and spend a little bit of money as well, to come and support the arts ecosystem. I think we really need, and they deserve our support tremendously.

Closing

13. Finally, I want to thank once again Mapletree for organising the event, for having a care of not just the artists, but also the social service sector.

14. I think it really takes many helping hands to come and lift Singapore, and artists are more than just people who contribute to our economy. They do something for each of us in a special way. Arts allows us to connect with one another, find ourselves, connect with the rest of society, and build networks and have a shared heritage that we look back on as we look at building S300 and beyond for the foreseeable future of Singapore.

15. Thank you very much once again for having me here and for having this wonderful event. I look forward to chatting with some of you later on as we commemorate the occasion.

16. Thank you.