Reframing Accessibility in the Arts

1. I am happy to join all of you here today, for the sixth edition of the Arts & Disability Forum (ADF).

2. As a society, we believe in the power of the arts to deepen our sense of belonging and identity, and to foster empathy and understanding across communities. That is why “Inclusive Arts” is one of 14 Focal Areas identified by the Enabling Masterplan 2030. The Arts and Disability Forum has been a key driver powering a more inclusive arts landscape in Singapore. And this year, the ADF – organized by ART:DIS Singapore, and supported by the National Arts Council (NAC) – is significant for two reasons;

   1. First, we have friends and speakers from across the region – China, Hong Kong, Korea, India, Indonesia to share with us best practices and regional insights.

   2. Second, there is growing momentum in our efforts to make the arts more inclusive, with many cultural institutions and arts groups placing a stronger focus on inclusivity.

3. The ADF is powerful testimony of our progress and commitment to advance inclusivity for all through the arts. A big thank you to the many cultural institutions, who have stepped forward as programme partners with ART:DIS. I would like to take a moment to acknowledge all of you:

   1. The Esplanade, where we are in today,

   2. The National Gallery Singapore, which will be holding a workshop for young artists with disabilities tomorrow,

   3. The Museum Roundtable, which will be hosting a learning journey in partnership with the Children’s Museum Singapore, to share about sensory support for young children,

   4. The Singapore Art Museum, which is also organising your access week programmes this week, and,

   5. NAFA – University of the Arts Singapore for being our knowledge partner. NAFA-UAS will be documenting discussions from today’s event.

An Inclusive Arts & Heritage Ecosystem for All

4. Earlier this month in Parliament, I spoke about our initiatives to support diverse aspirations and ensure no one is left behind. As part of the Enabling Masterplan 2030, we want to build an inclusive Arts and Heritage landscape – one where barriers are removed, so that all Singaporeans, including persons with disabilities, can more easily experience, participate in, and contribute to the arts.

5. One of the key goals under Our SG Arts Plan (2023 – 2027) is to build a connected society, anchored by our shared arts and culture. The Ministry of Culture, Community, and Youth works closely with the NAC to support initiatives that contribute to this:

   1. One of the key initiatives introduced in 2024 was ArtsEverywhere@CDC. We brought a variety of quality arts performances to the heartlands of Singapore, for everyone to participate and experience the arts close to where they live.

   2. I am happy to share that The Purple Symphony – Singapore’s largest inclusive orchestra with musicians with and without disabilities – participated in the ArtsEverywhere@CDC initiative, bringing the joy of music to our heartlands.

Continued Efforts to Enhance Arts Accessibility to PwDs

6. Enhancing arts accessibility for persons with disabilities is a key priority. Our cultural institutions have made some strides.

   1. For example, the National Gallery Singapore has recently developed a series of tactile resources to provide vision-impaired visitors with meaningful ways to experience art. The resources are inspired by artworks from Singapore’s National Collection, such as Trishaw Rider by Lai Foong Moi.

Showcasing works of artists with disabilities

7. Our cultural institutions and festivals showcase and celebrate the artistic talents of our diverse society. This includes artists with disabilities, many of whom are not defined by their disabilities.

   1. For instance, during Singapore Art Week earlier this year, the National Gallery Singapore’s Light to Night Festival and STPI’s S.E.A. Focus featured works by Claire Teo, and the late Chng Seok Tin, who received Singapore’s Cultural Medallion in 2005.

   2. ART:DIS also held its exhibition Turning Points II during Singapore Art Week. The exhibition traces the transformative journeys of four young artists — Abraham Koh, Amelia Tan, Noah Tan, and Zulkhairi Lutfi — mentored by established artists Tang Ling-Nah, Andy Yang, Leo Liu, and Justin Lee. Through 20 new works, these artists delved into themes of growth, resilience, and creativity, forging new directions in their own artistic practice.

8. These are but a few examples of our commitment to foster a more inclusive arts landscape.

ART:DIS’ Contributions to an Inclusive Arts Ecosystem

8. I am grateful to the ART:DIS team for their continued dedication to championing inclusive arts in Singapore. Alongside other organisations and initiatives such as Maya Dance Theatre's Diverse Abilities Dance Collective (DADC), Singapore Repertory Theatre's Inclusive Young Company, and Access Path Productions, these companies and their contributions play a vital role in expanding the ways we create artistic content and ensuring that persons with disabilities too can experience and excel in the arts.

THE ARTS & DISABILITY FORUM (ADF) 2025

9. As we aspire to create a more vibrant and inclusive society, accessibility in the arts is therefore our collective fundamental responsibility, to ensure that all, regardless of ability, can engage, create, and contribute.

10. Let us reframe and broaden our understanding of accessibility, from the perspectives of programming, capacity development, and authentic representation. Let us examine barriers that prevent us from achieving full inclusivity. Let us come together, push boundaries, and create an even greater impact in support of inclusion in the sector.

11. I am confident ADF2025 will be an enriching experience for all of us. Thank you!