Thirteen exceptional individuals were awarded the prestigious Arts Scholarships, marking a significant step forward in Singapore's vibrant arts community. These scholarships, covering both undergraduate and postgraduate studies, are designed to support those who are at the forefront of emerging art disciplines, engage new audiences, and explore the transformative potential of the arts in diverse fields.
The NAC Arts Scholarships 2024 and inaugural NAC-UAS Arts Scholarship 2024 recipients with Guest-of-Honour, Ms Low Yen Ling, Senior Minister of State, Ministry for Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ms Goh Swee Chen, Chairman of NAC, Mr Low Eng Teong, Chief Executive Officer of NAC, Professor Kwok Kian Woon, Vice-Chancellor of UAS.
Photo Credit: The National Arts Council.
This year's NAC Arts Scholarships have broadened their scope to include arts entrepreneurship and arts research. Arts entrepreneurship is crucial for translating artistic visions into sustainable ventures, driving both personal and organizational growth. Meanwhile, arts research plays a vital role in preserving our cultural heritage and deepening our understanding of various artistic experiences, connecting us to our cultural roots.
In addition, the Scholarships now extend support to specialized areas such as theatre for young audiences and community art practice within the care economy. These progressive fields underscore the Scholarships' commitment to engaging diverse audiences, especially younger generations.
Singapore's evolving arts sector continues to have a profound impact on the nation's cultural and economic landscape. The integration of arts with disciplines like science, technology, economics, and education highlights the arts' transformative power and its increasing influence on this year's awards.
The 2024 recipients exemplify the value of the arts and represent a diverse array of practitioners contributing to Singapore's growing cultural scene. The NAC's dedication to supporting both traditional and contemporary art forms is evident in its efforts to make these practices relevant and accessible.
This year, the NAC Arts Scholarships have also partnered with the University of the Arts Singapore (UAS), the country's first arts university, set to welcome its inaugural cohort in August 2024. Through this partnership, four of the thirteen scholars will study at LASALLE and NAFA, fostering further growth in the arts sector and enhancing community engagement.
The collaboration between NAC and UAS aims to create new pathways for success in the arts education sector and prepare students for impactful careers in the cultural and creative economies. The support extends beyond their studies, offering mentorship, career guidance, and networking opportunities to ensure a well-rounded and sustainable career in the arts.
Past recipients of the NAC Arts Scholarships have achieved notable success both locally and internationally. Julian Wong and Guo Ningru, recognized with the Young Artist Award in 2023 and 2022, respectively, and Jemimah Wei, a 2019 scholar recently awarded the Wallace Stegner Fellowship at Stanford University, exemplify the accomplishments possible through these scholarships.
These achievements reflect the ongoing relevance and adaptability of arts professionals, inspiring confidence in Singapore's artistic talent and reinforcing the vision of building a Connected Society, Distinctive City, and Creative Economy through the Arts as outlined in the Our SG Arts Plan (2023 – 2027).
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