Colours of Possibility: Honouring Artists and Their Stories

Mr Liam Wee Sin, Group Chief Executive of UOL

Mr Andrew Liew, Chairman, ART:DIS

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen

1. It is my pleasure this afternoon to join you for the second UOL X ART:DIS Art Prize award ceremony.

2. So, two years ago, this Art Prize was created to recognise talented artists with disabilities, and to give them a dedicated national platform to share their stories through art.

3. It is therefore extremely encouraging to see that the Art Prize has grown significantly.

   1. It has attracted over 500 submissions this year – nearly double that of the first edition.

   2. The Prize has also been expanded beyond artists with ART:DIS and students in Special Education schools, to include all artists with disabilities across Singapore aged six and above.

4. And the artists and artworks that we see today speak for themselves.

   1. The works on display are not only captivating – they are also personal expressions of the artists’ own experiences.

   2. And each piece allows us to see the world through their eyes and be reminded that arts is truly for everyone.

5. And this year’s winning artwork by Christian Tan is a beautiful example.

   1. So Christian is currently training as a printmaker, and he took everyday objects – toilet pump, a broom and a scrub – and transformed them into striking, impactful works of art.

6. And other artists have also likewise brought to life their stories and interests, from Singapore’s cultural heritage to recovery and rehabilitation, we heard that from Mr Liam, to imaginative works about their inner worlds.

   1. And of the 18 outstanding works shown here today, I’m sure all of us will find something that resonates with us.

7. To all the artists awarded today, congratulations. Your works speak volumes. Great job, everyone.

   1. You have not only moved us, but you have also challenged us to see the world differently, through your eyes.

8. And beyond celebrating the talents of our artists today, this award celebrates something even bigger – the power of the arts to connect, to include and to transform.

   1. And this Art Prize is an inspiration. It inspires us to build a society that celebrates all abilities, and an inclusive society where everyone can succeed and thrive in diverse ways. So, Angela, no need to hope, we will make it happen.

9. And creating an inclusive society is not the work of one artist or one organisation. It takes many hands and many hearts, including support from corporations and institutions.

   1. So, I would like to say a big thank you to UOL, ART:DIS, and all the partners and judges for contributing your time and resources to this very meaningful cause.

   2. Together, you are nurturing a richer arts space in Singapore – one that embraces diversity, and one that celebrates talent in all its different forms.

   3. And I hope there will be many, many more editions of the Art Prize to come.

10. So once again, thank you, and congratulations to all the winners and participants for your courage and generosity in sharing your arts with us.

11. So, I hope all of you will continue to pursue your art with passion and inspire the communities around you.

12. And to all our partners, thank you so much for your support for our artists; and let’s continue building the kind of Singapore that we want to see. Thank you everybody.