“I think a well-developed arts and culture scene is an indicator that a society is liveable, and probably makes the country more attractive for foreign investors.” – Jane (pseudonym), a Singaporean arts enthusiast
For millennials, the arts have served as a moral compass for mankind, enabling it to discern beauty from baseness and righteousness from evil.
The arts have also helped to preserve the spiritual and cultural values of society.
However, as people become increasingly materialistic, they place less importance on the arts and culture.
Nelson Kwei, a premier choral director in Singapore, acknowledged the importance of technological advancement and economic growth, but stressed that “art and cultural growth” are equally important.
“Only then can our people’s cultural literacy improve, enabling us to cultivate rounded out future generations of Singaporeans,” Kwei said.
To find out more about the arts and culture scene in Singapore, Epoch Times (ET) interviewed Jane (pseudonym), an arts enthusiast who is currently working in this field.
Epoch Times (ET): Is there a lack of emphasis on arts education in Singapore?
Jane: I don’t think so. There are a lot of programmes that try to boost arts education in schools, like the Drama Elective Programme, Music Elective Programme, and Arts Elective Programmes, all of which are currently being offered in junior colleges.
Apart from academic work, students are also encouraged to try their hand at the arts through their local CCAs.
I think overall, there are many opportunities for students to dabble in the arts, on top of the rest of their education.
ET: Recently, many galleries have closed in Singapore, due to a lack of local support. What’s your take on this?
Jane: It’s possible that Singaporeans are just not interested in that form of art (e.g. visual art). This could be because it’s not strongly embedded in our culture to appreciate such art forms.
ET: What can the Singapore government do to increase people’s appreciation of culture and the arts?
Jane: [It can expose the society] to a wide range of art forms in a way that is both accessible and understandable to our daily realities.
It’s not easy to capture the essence of an art form, especially if it originated from a culture very different from our own.
But I think that arts educators and arts practitioners need to consciously work at this, if art appreciation is going to spread from the smaller spheres to the rest of society.
ET: Do you think the opening of National Gallery added to the vibrancy of the local arts and culture scene?
Jane: Definitely. It is one more place for Singaporeans to check out in their leisure time, and it can also be used to host various art events.
ET: How has Singapore’s arts and culture sector contributed to the economy?
Jane: I think a well-developed arts and culture scene is an indicator that a society is liveable, and probably makes the country more attractive for foreign investors.
Cultural commodities can also be bought and sold, and could serve as a means of cultural communication between countries to foster mutual understanding.
ET: What are some of the benefits of arts and culture appreciation for youths?
Jane: I think they serve as a good outlet for youths to showcase their feelings, thoughts and personalities, as they learn and come into their own. It could also help them better communicate with older generations (e.g. appreciating traditional art forms).
