National Arts Council Singapore

The Singapore arts community mourns the loss of pioneering photographer Mr Tan Lip Seng, who received the Cultural Medallion in 1985 for his outstanding contributions to photography. Known for using his camera to “paint with light and shadow," Mr Tan achieved numerous international firsts, notably the first in Asia to receive the prestigious USA Diamond Galaxy Exhibitor rating by the Photographic Society of America. His mastery earned him multiple accolades, including being the first Singaporean awarded the FIAP gold medal in Switzerland and the first in Singapore to receive a fellowship from the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain. Throughout his career as a medical photographer at the University of Singapore, Mr Tan balanced professional precision with artistic innovation. His creative journey evolved from mastering darkroom techniques in the 1950s to pioneering colour-derivation montages in the 1970s and later embracing digital media. His travel photography captured not just landscapes but also the rich tapestry of cultures and communities across the world. A passionate advocate for the arts, Mr Tan served on various national committees including Chair of the Photography Specialist Panel for Cultural Medallion and Young Artist Award. His expertise was sought internationally, leading to workshops and lectures across many countries. In 2009, he showcased his life's work in the solo exhibition "Painting with Light & Shadow – A 50 Year Chronicle" at Ngee Ann Cultural Centre, accompanied by a book documenting his remarkable five-decade journey. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr Tan's family and loved ones. While his presence will be deeply missed, his pioneering spirit and artistic legacy will continue to inspire generations of photographers to come.

🎭 The Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) 2025 is returning from 16 May to 1 Jun!✨ Commissioned by the National Arts Council (NAC) and organised by Arts House Limited (AHL), SIFA 2025 returns to unite local and international artists in a bold exchange of artistic practices. 🌏 SIFA underscores Singapore’s capacity to facilitate critical discourse and meaningful connections through the transformative power of the arts. 🎨 In celebration of #SG60 this year, SIFA will also present its largest showcase of homegrown talents - with a lineup designed to bring the arts everywhere for everyone, showcasing Singapore as a creative city for the arts. Grab your tickets now at https://lnkd.in/gFSEP9br. #SIFA2025 #MoreThanEver

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Cikgu Yusnor Ef, a 2011 Cultural Medallion recipient and legendary figure in Singapore's Malay music industry. Over his illustrious career spanning more than three decades, his masterful lyrics have shaped the soundscape of generations and left an indelible mark on our cultural heritage.   Known as the "grandfather of Malay songs," Cikgu Yusnor Ef penned more than 260 songs throughout his lifetime, many of which continue to be broadcast and reinterpreted by artists across Singapore and Malaysia. His collaborations with musical luminaries like P. Ramlee, Zubir Said, and Kassim Masdor produced timeless compositions that celebrated love, community, and Malay identity. A distinguished and influential figure in the Malay music scene, he was the founding president of PERKAMUS (Association of Malay Singers, Composers and Professional Musicians) and served as Chairman of NAC’s Malay Music Development Committee. Throughout his career, he was honoured with numerous accolades, including the Berita Harian’s Lifetime Achiever of the Year award in 2022 and the Public Service Star at the 2022 National Day Awards, among many others. Beyond his musical achievements, Cikgu Yusnor Ef was also a multifaceted artist whose talents spanned screenwriting and theatre. As a prolific cultural advocate and educator, he brought powerful stories to life that illuminated social issues and everyday experiences, simultaneously entertaining and educating audiences while preserving cultural heritage for future generations. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Cikgu Yusnor Ef's family and loved ones. While his presence will be deeply missed, his profound legacy—captured in the countless songs and stories he created—will continue to resonate with audiences and inspire future generations of artists.

The Arts & Disability Forum 2025 has wrapped, but the conversations and momentum continue! 💬 Organised by ARTDIS (Singapore) Ltd and supported by the National Arts Council, the sixth edition brought together regional artists, cultural workers and educators to explore how we can shape a more inclusive future in the arts. Here are some key takeaways from this year’s forum: 🤝 Cross-cultural learning: Harvesting insights from varied Asian cultural contexts to cultivate fresh approaches for inclusive arts practice in Singapore and beyond. ♿ Authentic representation: Direct engagement with artists with disabilities moves beyond theoretical discussions to experience-based immersion. 🌟Sector Development: Connecting sector professionals to advance inclusive programming practices to drive long-term systemic change We’re proud to support this initiative that deepens our collective understanding of inclusion in the arts and amplifies diverse voices across the cultural landscape to build a more connected society. A big thank you to all speakers, facilitators, attendees and partners – programme partner The Esplanade Co Ltd, knowledge partner Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and University of the Arts Singapore and programme collaborators National Gallery Singapore, Singapore Art Museum and National Heritage Board – for making the Arts & Disability Forum 2025 a space of learning, connection and forward thinking. ✨ Credit (s): ART:DIS

[#OpenCall] Calling all Singapore Tamil writers! ✍️ Applications are now open until 20 Apr 2025, 11.59pm for the 2025–2026 NAC-Sangam House Residency in Bangalore, India!    This in-person one-month residency will take place either in Nov 2025 or Jan 2026 and an excellent opportunity for writers to focus on their work while connecting with a diverse, international community of peers and build a meaningful professional network. ✨ Learn more about the residency and submit your applications at https://lnkd.in/gBXwu3Rb. Open to Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents. #OurSGArts

🎊 Heartiest congratulations to Mohamed Yaziz Bin Mohamed Hassan on receiving the prestigious Stewards of Singapore's Intangible Cultural Heritage Award conferred by National Heritage Board!   As co-founder and director of Nadi Singapura, Mohamed Yaziz has been a key driving force in preserving and elevating the heritage of traditional Malay music. Through initiatives such as Nadi Singapura’s Singa Drum Gaia and Kibar, he has played an instrumental role in uniting traditional Malay drum and percussion communities whilst nurturing the next generation of practitioners.   Traditional arts serve as a bridge connecting Singaporeans across diverse communities and are fundamental to our national identity. Mohamed Yaziz's dedication to promoting the distinctive sounds of the Malayan Archipelago has enriched Singapore’s arts and culture landscape, and allowed diverse audiences to appreciate our unique culture tapestry.    A heartfelt thanks to Mohamed Yaziz for his invaluable contributions to #OurSGArts. His dedication helps safeguard our intangible cultural heritage, ensuring these cherished art forms continue to resonate with future generations.

Featured in the #PoemsOnTheMRT initiative, Singaporean poet and writer Isa Kamari reflects on his youthful ideals between earnestness and pragmatism in his poem ‘Bunga Lalang’ (Lalang Flower). Written during his teenage years, it captures Isa’s enduring belief in hope, even when life's ideals feel distant. The poem was first published in Berita Minggu and now finds a place on our everyday commute, an introspective piece that invites commuters to pause and reflect. Learn more about the #PoemsOnTheMRT initiative at go.gov.sg/potm #OurSGArts — Poems on the MRT is an initiative by the National Arts Council in partnership with SMRT Corporation Ltd and Stellar Ace, brought to life by Sing Lit Station. Photo credit: Isa Kamari

#OpenCall for Singapore Art Week 2026 proposals has commenced!   Singapore Art Week is the pinnacle celebration for our vibrant visual arts landscape. For its 14th edition taking place from 22 to 31 Jan 2026, we’re looking for proposals that focus on at least one of the following priorities:  -Collaboration between local and Southeast Asian arts practitioners -Public art within key Art Week precincts -Highlighting emerging curators and artists and/or our artistic legacies   All Singapore-based artists, curators, producers, collectives, institutions, and organisations are invited to apply.    Applications will close by 14 May 2025, 11:55pm. For more information, visit https://lnkd.in/gqznf5iB. 

Elevating the everyday commute through poetry 💡For Singaporean writer, poet, translator, publisher and columnist Ang Lai Sheng, a simple MRT ride became the inspiration for '夜调' (Nocturne), a poem that captures the city's stillness and the quiet moments often missed. This piece, featured in #PoemsOnTheMRT initiative, brings the power of literature to public spaces, fostering a culturally vibrant community. Lai Sheng shared that he was pleasantly surprised to learn about this project, “I imagine it took considerable effort to advocate for the importance of making Singaporean literature more visible in public spaces. There’s a Chinese saying: “It takes ten years to grow a tree, but a hundred years to nurture a person.” (十年树木，百年树人). Cultivating an appreciation for literature takes time, and I believe we now have the resources and literacy to further this.” Lai Sheng hopes that commuters can “consider this as a “meditative poem” that uses the quiet of the night to explore deeper themes of life”. Connecting with commuters through the power of words, '夜调' (Nocturne) highlights how poetry can transform our daily experiences. Learn more about the #PoemsOnTheMRT initiative at go.gov.sg/potm #OurSGArts — Poems on the MRT is an initiative by the National Arts Council in partnership with SMRT Corporation Ltd and Stellar Ace, brought to life by Sing Lit Station. Photo credit: TrendLit Publishing Private Limited

The development of such boundary-breaking productions enriches the quality of #OurSGArts! ⭐️ ‘Curious & Curiouser’ by the Singapore Youth Choir Ensemble Singers is an illustration of how the National Art Council’s Presentation and Participation Grant can empower artists to go above and beyond in their craft. This innovative production impressed long-time and new fans, and showcased the power of pushing creative boundaries in choral performance. The National Arts Council provides funding, resources and partnerships to enable the creation of such productions, continuously elevating the excellence of arts performances brought to audiences. Read the full story on the work and support that went into the production at https://lnkd.in/gwTCpC6g