Providing second chances for ex-offenders through art

Mr Desmond Chin and Mr Chng Hwee Hong, Co-Chairmen of CARE Network

Ms Jane Ittogi, Chair, Singapore Art Museum

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. Good evening. I am happy to be here tonight to launch the Yellow Ribbon Community Art Exhibition. I remember attending the inaugural exhibition when it was launched ten years ago, and I am heartened that this initiative to raise awareness on second chances for ex-offenders is going from strength to strength.

Re-integration of ex-offenders through art

2. Art plays a key role in the rehabilitation work of inmates, by helping them develop and cultivate their artistic talents. By unlocking the inmates' creative potential, art can help them find employment, further their education, and eventually reintegrate back into society.

3. All these contribute towards preventing ex-offenders from entering into a second societal prison of suspicion, mistrust and discrimination. Over the years, the efforts of the Yellow Ribbon Project have borne much fruit. The Yellow Ribbon Community Art Exhibition gives inmates and ex-offenders a platform not just to showcase their artistic abilities, but also to reach out to the community. It shows that everyone can make a difference, if they are given the relevant support.

4. Beyond its aesthetic value, art heals. Art inspires. Art is increasingly being integrated into eldercare programmes to increase effective communication and improve mood and well-being. Through the annual Silver Arts Festival, seniors are also given an opportunity to display their creative talent and pick up new skills.

5. Art also gives us the space and confidence to think beyond the constraints of our circumstances. For the young ones, I'd like to mention a project - SuperHero Me. It is an initiative which illustrates art's ability to empower. Through costume-crafting, volunteers work with children with special needs or from less-privileged backgrounds to express their aspirations. I remember one of them wanted to be the banana man, to deliver bananas to her friends. This ground-up project is a positive demonstration of how the community can come together, with art as an enabler, to paint a brighter future, to create a better prospect, a better vision for all of us in Singapore.

Ex-offenders can contribute to society

6. In a similar way, ex-inmates can also contribute positively to society through art. Mr Kim Whye Kee and Mr Barry Yeow are shining examples of the transformative power of art. As Artists-In-Residence, they have guided numerous inmates to create the artworks on display today. They have wielded not just paintbrushes, but also positive influence. Likewise, all of us can make an impact in the lives of others and create a more inclusive and supportive Singapore.

7. Through the SGfuture engagement sessions, we saw that Singaporeans desire to shape our country's future together. I urge all past and present participants of the Yellow Ribbon Project to come together, to come forward and think about how they, too, could contribute towards building a brighter Singapore. Like the volunteers in Superhero Me, Yellow Ribbon Project participants could offer their artistic abilities to be a positive force of change. The Our Singapore Fund provides a possible source of support for projects that build national identity or that meet social and community needs. I hope that the generosity of Mr Kim and Mr Yeow, in giving their time and talent, will inspire more of you to come forth and make more good things happen in Singapore.

Conclusion

8. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the organisers and community partners for putting together this exhibition. I would also like to urge all members of the public to support such efforts. I trust that you will enjoy the Yellow Ribbon Community Art Exhibition here at the Singapore Art Museum.

9. Thank you.