Encouraging participation in cross-cultural collaborations

Speech by Mr Eric Chua, Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community and Youth & Social and Family Development for Sathecollective’s Roots

High Commissioner of New Zealand to Singapore, Her Excellency Jo Tyndall,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

1. It is my pleasure to be here this morning at the launch of Roots.
   
   

   Art and technology

2. As we mature and develop as a society, our arts and culture will become a more essential and integral part of us. They not only uplift spirits and give expression to our shared heritage, they also help enhance our sense of belonging, and bind us together.
3. To continue connecting with audiences amidst the pandemic, many in our arts and culture sector have embraced digitalisation and new ways of engagement. We are proud of their resilience and adaptability, and their innovative use of technology has really brought our arts and culture closer to existing and new audiences.
4. A project like Roots demonstrates how our artists and audiences can continue to reach out and connect with each other, examining and reflecting on our living environment through a new lens provided by the creative use of technology.
5. I am happy to learn that the exhibition features three Music Technology alumni from LASALLE College of the Arts – Jon, Lynette, and Vick. This highlights the efforts made by our arts institutions, and the achievements of their alumni to push boundaries and explore different forms of artistic expression.
6. I look forward to experiencing how the artists have brought to life the beautiful architecture of Marina One in an evocative and unexpected manner.
   
   

   Innovation and resilience in the arts sector

7. At MCCY, we recognise that the pandemic has posed challenges to our arts and culture practitioners. The Government remains committed to supporting the sector during these challenging times, and to emerge stronger as we reopen and resume activities.
8. Through the Arts and Culture Resilience Package (ACRP), several initiatives have been rolled out to sustain livelihoods, encourage the adoption of new or related skills, and help our arts and culture practitioners prepare to seize opportunities in the ‘new normal’. They include grants that support capability development, the digitalisation of works, collaborations between self-employed persons (SEPs), and for organisations to embark on their own transformations.
   
   
   Cross-cultural collaborations as foundation of international partnerships
9. I would also like to acknowledge the strong support of our counterparts and partners from New Zealand in encouraging and participating in cross-cultural collaborations. Projects such as Roots demonstrate how our friendships and partnerships remain strong despite the restrictions brought about by COVID-19. They are a fitting demonstration of the resilience and optimism of our creative communities in moving forward.
   
   

   Conclusion

10. Last but not least, congratulations to SAtheCollective, the artists, and all those involved, on the successful launch of this exhibition.
11. I wish everyone a pleasant day ahead. Thank you.