Arts is accessible to everyone, everywhere

GPC Chairman Mr Baey Yam Keng
Grassroots Advisers Mr Seng Han Thong, Ms Sim Ann
PA CE Mr Ang Hak Seng
MCCY and NAC Colleagues
Grassroots Leaders
Distinguished Guests and Friends

1. A very good afternoon to all of you, and it's very good to be here at today's PAssionArts Exhibition.
   

2. This is the first time that we are bringing the PAssionArts artworks out of the heartlands and into the heart of town, right in the centre, in Orchard Road. I'm very glad that these wonderful works of wonders can now be enjoyed by many more Singaporeans. I hope that this will inspire our residents and our Grassroots Leaders who have been involved in PAssionArts activities, and hope that you will be inspired and encouraged to do even more.
   

3. All of the artworks that you see around you are created by residents in neighbourhoods all over Singapore. Since February this year, we have more than 18,000 residents participating in some 300 art workshops. They have been working with the artists, with one another, and they co-create beautiful artworks ranging from blow-art, to art installations made from recycled CDs like the dragon on display, stained glass painting, and so many more.
   

4. Today, we are marking the start of a 2-day exhibition. We have chosen 49 of the best artworks created by residents all over Singapore and each of these reflects the dreams and aspirations that the residents have for their communities. It's a special gift for our nation's 49th birthday. So let's give a round of applause once again, to thank everyone who has been involved in the artworks.
   

5. A lot of what we are doing here has been made possible because of the commitment and dedication from the People Association (PA)'s Community Arts and Culture Clubs (the CACCs). These are all led by Grassroots Leaders and volunteers.
   

6. I want to thank every one of the many volunteers who have stepped forward to take charge of developing and running art programmes. They do this throughout the year and also beyond the PAssionArts Festival, for example, they have been involved in the Community Art Galleries found in our marketplaces, void decks and coffee-shops. I think we should give another round of applause to all our CACC volunteers. Thank you so much for all your help!

7. I've spoken to the residents and volunteers this year over various PAssionArts events and festivals. I have gone to a few of them – in Ang Mo Kio, in Tanjong Pagar, in my own constituency in Boon Lay – and I am often inspired by stories of what residents do when they come together for PAssionArts. I will give you one example – Ms Sangeetha from Bedok CACC.
   

8. She joined the Bedok CACC, and became well known to fellow residents as an enthusiastic supporter of the arts. What started off as her personal interest in recycled art inspired her to share her handicrafts with her neighbours. I understand that Ms Sangeetha set up an arts interest group with 120 Bedok residents, who worked together on an artwork called the “Woven Hut of Hearts”, which is on display today. It is one of the 49 artworks that you see around you. Ms Sangeetha also personally approached 70 lower-income seniors to take part in creating the artwork, and because of her gesture, NTUC Fairprice donated 500 packets of rice to these seniors. It is a very good example of how arts can bring together the community, and can also reach out to those who are in need.
   

9. Because of Ms Sangeetha's dedication and passion, her 13-year-old son was inspired to come forward and volunteer for PAssionArts events. Through the arts, they have both gotten to meet more neighbours and make new friends.
   

10. It is stories like Ms Sangeetha's that show how, in the arts, it is about the process of making art together. The arts have the ability to bring us together, regardless of our age, our background, or our level of experience with the arts. All of us can participate and gather together for a common purpose, to have a good time, and to build a strong sense of community spirit. We can do this by creating something inspiring and meaningful together.
    

11. We want to continue to ensure that the arts is accessible to everyone, everywhere. We've been working hard to make this a reality. We have been setting up Community Arts and Culture Nodes all over Singapore, including the launch of two recent ones at Jurong and Tampines Regional Libraries. The Government and MCCY can do what we can with the help of agencies like PA. But more importantly, we hope that all Singaporeans will also support and participate in art-making and building stronger communities, and we have an opportunity to do so next year.
    

12. We all know that next year is a significant milestone for our country. It is our 50th anniversary of independence, our Golden Jubilee. We have many things to be proud of, and I'm sure each of you will have stories to share about your favourite places and about your memories from the past.
    

13. In 2015, PAssionArts will continue to see how we can bring in even more residents, more volunteers, and more people, to tell their stories through arts. We want to use the arts to bring together even more Singaporeans to honour the past, celebrate the present and to make Singapore a better home for everyone.
    

14. I want to encourage every one of you to also step forward and join in the celebrations. If you are already participating, bring your friends and neighbours to join PAssionArts, so we can make PAssionArts next year even bigger and even better. If you have ideas on how you can celebrate and how you can inspire a sense of community, let us know because we are interested, and we will provide you with resources to help carry out your ideas.
    

15. So finally, in conclusion, I hope all of you will continue to spread the word about PAssionArts, and help us make PAssionArts even better for next year. It leaves me now to wish all of you many more enriching days exploring and experiencing the arts. Thank you very much, and have a very good evening.