How do we promote the arts?

Posted by Kimberly under Blogging, Lifestyle, Museums/Heritage Galleries, Reflections, art
(0) Comment • (1276) Reads • Permalink

Probably one of the main gripes of the arts community in Singapore is that more needs to be done to heighten the awareness of the arts. Though one could say that there’s much effort made to advocate art appreciation (the development of School of the Arts and funding to the arts has been a sure sign), but is it enough?

Local newspaper Mypaper published a letter recently by a reader, Mr Teo, who lamented that our fast-paced, competitive life in Singapore has caused an inability for us to relax, much less take time to appreciate the finer things in life.

He suggested that the government should rightfully promote art through boosting art education in secondary and tertiary institutions. He has made a valid point that we should start young in nurturing a love for the arts. While our education system has slowly shifted its focus to allow room for ’softer’ subjects of art and literature to grow, many youngsters would rather a movie or coffee date over the weekend than a visit to the Singapore Art Museum.

He groused that established local artists exhibit their works at private shows and many of their art works are sold to corporate buyers. He strongly believes that artists should price their art affordably to encourage more people to purchase local works. This may cultivate an art market that’s not just targeted at the wealthy and important, but about art works that cannot be priced?

Many works of art today are not just of paintings and sculptures. In fact, many conceptual pieces are not usually made for procurement purposes - can you envision this installation of a giant book by Vertical Submarine (now exhibited at 8Qsam’s President’s Young Talents show) sitting in your living room?

While at Yesterday.sg, much of our articles revolve round nostalgia, days of old and our country’s heritage, we believe there’s a need to profile our arts scene. Though our local arts may not have a long distinguished history of the great Italian Renaissance, there’s still much to be proud of. Because of this blossoming state of our art scene, nothing is fixed and everything is ephemeral - so there is much scope to be explored. Artists can make works that are not tied to a certain art movement or style, and eventually develop a distinct character of their own.

In February 2010, look out for an inaugural Yesterday.sg (YSG) art exhibition which will showcase how diverse art can be and that no matter how old you are or who you are, everyone can play a part in appreciating art. The exhibition is specially designed for YSG members who have a budding interest in art and want to learn more. Come meet some of Singapore’s young and upcoming artists and hear their take on what motivates them to persue their passion.

Come live and breathe art! More details of this exhibition will be released on this site soon…

==============

EDITOR’S NOTE: Read these musings of art for the uninitiated:

• Like this is art, meh?
• Art for the uninitiated: Let’s eat some cherries
• Art for the uninitiated: Not-so-beautiful
• Art for the uninitiated: Art as a living language

Rating: +4