Speech at Official Opening and Prize Presentation Ceremony of The 26th UOB Painting of The Year (POY) Exhibition
Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Defence, The Esplanade Recital Studio
Good morning.
Ms Susan Hwee, Executive Vice President and global Head of Information Technology (IT) of the UOB Group,
And member of the UOB Group Art Committee
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
1. I am delighted to join you this morning at UOB's 26th Painting of the Year Exhibition. The UOB Group has been an enthusiastic supporter of the local arts for more than three decades. In particular, since its inception 26 years ago, the Painting of the Year competition has developed into an important platform to recognise promising local artists. May I commend and encourage the Bank to continue its good work. I hope that more local enterprises can be inspired to contribute to the local arts scene.
Developing a city for the arts
2. In recent years, the local arts scene has become more diversified and vibrant, a reflection of our increasingly cosmopolitan society. There has also been an increased awareness of and interest in the arts among Singaporeans, evident from the increased attendance at arts events. In 2006 alone, there were over 6,000 art performances and exhibitions. A recent National Arts Council survey revealed that one out of three Singaporeans participated in at least one arts and cultural activity a year.
3. To ensure that all Singaporeans have the chance to experience and enjoy arts events, the National Arts Council has worked closely with community organisations and corporate sponsors to bring arts closer to the community through events such as National Arts Council-ExxonMobil Concert-in-the-Parks.
4. In many of our schools, there are arts education programmes to foster students' appreciation and participation in the arts. Our own Arts School will be completed in 2009, and in the interim, the School will open as planned in January 2008 at a temporary campus at Goodman Road. The Arts School will offer a 6-year curriculum that allows specialisation in music, dance, theatre and the visual arts along with other academic subjects like languages, humanities, mathematics and science. Students from the Arts School will graduate with the International Baccalaureate Diploma, which they can then use for entry into universities and tertiary institutions in Singapore or overseas.
5. The Singapore Art Show, Singapore Biennale and large-scale festivals such as the Singapore Arts Festival and the Singapore Writers' Festival showcase our local talents alongside international artists. Such platforms also give our talent opportunities to interact and learn from well-established artists. Many of our own home-grown talents have indeed done Singapore proud, winning recognition and accolades at international arts events.
Importance of arts in a globalised age
6. To become a global city that attracts talent, capital, business and ideas, we need to make Singapore a great place to work, live and play in. Merely being safe and green with world-class infrastructure will not be enough. We must seek to be a destination known not just for its career and economic opportunities but also its quality of living. Building up a vibrant arts and cultural scene is another facet of making Singapore a truly distinctive global city for Singaporeans and foreigners alike. Besides being a source of inspiration and intellectual stimulation for our people, the arts will serve as a foundation for our cultural heritage and identity as a nation. It will also have economic spin-offs, paving the way for the development of local creative industries. We are well-poised to do so, being uniquely situated at the confluence of East and West, and with our rich and diverse cultures.
7. Indeed Singapore is fast gaining international recognition as a global city for the arts. We were host of the prestigious International Congress of the International Society for the Performing Arts, held in Asia for the first time, right here in Singapore. We were also selected to host the Second World Summit on the Arts and Culture. The number of international events that are held here can only grow as we continue our push to enhance Singapore's reputation as a centre for the arts.
The best of UOB
8. The UOB Painting of the Year Competition and Exhibition has been one of the longest-running community projects in Singapore. Many past winners and participants have gone on to successful artistic careers, including the likes of Mr Goh Beng Kwan, Mr Baet Yeok Kuan and Mr. Chua Ek Kay.
9. I understand that UOB will be showcasing all 26 past winning works of the Painting of the Year competition in August this year, in conjunction with the 2007 Singapore Art Show. This is a meaningful initiative, to highlight the evolution of the local visual arts over the past 26 years.
10. I offer my heartiest congratulations to all – the UOB Group, and especially this year's winners. It now gives me great pleasure to declare the Exhibition open. I wish all of you an enjoyable day.