Making sculptures more readily accessible to Singaporeans

Mr Kwek Leng Joo, Managing Director, City Developments Limited
Distinguished guests 
Ladies and gentlemen 

1. I am happy to join you this evening for the opening of the 5th CDL Singapore Culture Award Exhibition. I want to start by thanking CDL for its commitment and support of the arts. CDL is a sterling example of a local corporation committed to promoting the arts and facilitating the development of our local artists. For that, they have been the recipient of the National Art Council's Distinguished Patron of the Arts Award. I encourage other corporations to join their ranks and also contribute to the growth of Singapore arts. 

The Value of Public Sculptures

2. Public sculptures provide an added dimension to a city's landscape. A popular sculpture can become a city's icon and landmark. Mention New York, and we visualize the Statue of Liberty, or the charging bull at Wall Street. Think of Rio de Janeiro and we see the statue of Christ the Redeemer. Of Copenhagen and we picture the Little Mermaid. Such public art adds character and renewed vigour to a city, reshaping its identity by producing a creative buzz and a defining aesthetic sense.

3. In Singapore, we have been mindful of the need to develop our city, not just with “bricks and mortars”, but also with a strong cultural foundation. Over the years, the government has expanded the space for public art and sculptures. Private developers are also paying more attention and setting aside more funds for sculptures and visual installations as part of their commercial projects. 

4. Just outside this building, commemorating the Singapore River, we see some of Singapore's most iconic sculptures. For example, there is Chong Fah Cheong's First Generation – a bronze installation featuring five boys jumping into the river, their faces filled with joy, capturing a picture of a hopeful, young Singapore. And of course, at the end of the river, is Lim Nang Seng's Merlion which is an easily recognisable icon here and abroad.

5. And there are many more sculptures in all parts of Singapore. For over 30 years, Ng Eng Teng's Mother and Child has been a landmark of Orchard Road; more recently, Kumari Nahappan's Nutmeg & Mace, installed in front of the Ion Orchard, celebrates Orchard Road's heritage as the site of nutmeg, pepper and fruit orchards. Passengers arriving at Changi Airport Terminal Three can see Han Sai Por's Flora Inspiration, which is just one of her many flora-themed works that can found across the island.

6. While we now have more art in our public spaces, there is still scope to make sculptures more readily accessible to every Singaporean. So MCCY is discussing with the relevant government agencies to see how we can further make more public art available as a part of our living environment. In particular, we want to have more sculptures and artworks by Singaporean artists, for these are the pieces which will reflect our shared Singaporean identify, and which will anchor our sense of place and home.

7. For this to happen, we will need the support of many partners, including corporations, building owners and art lovers to promote and grow our public art landscape. If Singapore is to have a vibrant cultural scene, the government and the private sector must continue to work together to create conditions that will enable the arts to flourish.

8. CDL's support of the Singapore Sculpture Award is therefore most commendable. Since 2003, the Singapore Sculpture Award has encouraged Singaporeans to create beautiful works of art. The past winners of the award have gone on to enhance our cultural cityscape, with their works commissioned and displayed around the island – at Robertson Quay, City Green in Little India, and in Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, just to name a few locations. And this year's winning artwork is proposed to be installed at East Coast Park, where its many visitors will no doubt be engaged by it. 
   

Efforts to Develop Art Appreciation 

9. At the same time, we should also do more than installing sculptures in parks and malls. We also need to take the time to grow a deeper understanding of artworks. For we get a richer appreciation when we are familiar with the works' history and better understand artistic traditions, and with such knowledge, we come to love art even more. 

10. Hence I am pleased to note that this year there was an additional educational outreach component to the award. In the March school holidays, CDL organised a three-hour introductory sculpture workshop for secondary school students. The session was conducted by past award winners and gave students a better appreciation for sculpture. I would like to commend CDL for their initiative, and encourage more schools and students to participate in future sessions.

Message to Award Winners

11. To the Award winners, and also the finalists, I congratulate you for your outstanding work. While only into its fifth year, the Singapore Sculpture Award has a growing prestige as its past winners have gone on to even greater things. Yeo Chee Kiong, who won the award in 2005 went on receive the National Arts Council's Young Artist Award in 2006. And Tan Wee Lit, who was 2007 winner, was just awarded the Young Artist Award last year. So you are amongst distinguished alumni, and I look forward to seeing your future works showcased on a larger stage.

12. To all participants, never stop creating, and encouraging others to create. Continue to participate in this Award in years to come, and let this be a platform to nurture many generations of creative thinking artists.

13. On that note, it is my pleasure to declare the 5th CDL Singapore Sculpture Award Exhibition open. Thank you.