From August 2024, residents can look forward to arts performances, workshops and activities across Singapore. Over the next two years, ArtsEverywhere@CDC, a national effort by the National Arts Council (NAC), People’s Association (PA) and the five Community Development Councils (CDC), will bring a regular pipeline of arts experiences at scale, to communities and heartlands, making it more accessible for residents of all ages to enjoy and engage with the arts together, in the vicinity of their homes. There will be large-scale monthly performances at two anchor venues in each district, including fringe arts and culture activities for all to participate in. More than 50,000 residents are estimated to experience these art performances.
Building shared experiences through the arts
ArtsEverywhere@CDC was launched on 27 July at Paya Lebar Quarter (PLQ) Open Plaza by Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, Second Minister for Law and People’s Association Deputy Chairman, Edwin Tong.
ArtsEverywhere@CDC highlights the important role that the arts play in bringing communities together over shared experiences and enlivening our heartlands. The launch event featured performances such as Kito dan Kita by Malay drumming group NADI Singapura Ltd, showcasing the dynamism of traditional drums and percussions as well as street performances by beatboxer HandFX. The public also had opportunities to engage with artist The Phoenix Quill in a live typewriter poetry experience and enjoyed an art installation by artists Didier Ng and Cherie Ng as well as various craft activities to participate in.
Low Eng Teong, Chief Executive, NAC, said “Through this partnership with the CDCs and PA, we hope to bring the arts closer and more accessible to the public, so that they will be able to enjoy and engage with the arts at places where they live, work and play. ArtsEverywhere@CDC is in line with Our SG Arts Plan (2023 - 2027) to build a connected society where communities can come together to better appreciate our arts and culture. This also allows for more opportunities and platforms for our artists and arts groups to engage and reach new audiences. NAC has curated a series of arts programmes and activities for this initiative, and we invite all to experience the exciting offerings lined up in the coming months.”
Ms Low Yen Ling, Chairman of Mayors’ Committee and Mayor of South West District, added “The role of arts and culture is more important than before in today’s society as it has the ability to bring the community together. At ArtsEverywhere@CDC events, Singaporeans have the opportunity to engage with the arts and bond with one another. It contributes to the CDCs’ collective vision of building inclusive and vibrant communities.”
Providing more platforms for artists and arts groups
In line with Our SG Arts Plan (2023 – 2027), this initiative also supports the growth of our local arts companies by helping them reach and develop audiences. Through the re-staging and adaptation of works for different settings, artists and arts groups can increase their audience base and generate more awareness of their art forms. We hope this initiative will continue creating new job opportunities for artists and arts groups as more audiences, partners and stakeholders encounter and come to appreciate their works.
Ms Denise Phua Lay Peng, Mayor of Central Singapore District, said "Supporting the growth of artists and arts workers is essential for a dynamic and innovative arts scene in Singapore. Developing them is not just about honing skills but about empowering them to be catalysts for change, push boundaries and use their creativity to shape a brighter future for Singapore."
Mr Desmond Choo, Mayor of North East District, said "Building a robust arts ecosystem in Singapore is not just about supporting artists. It means ensuring that artists and arts companies have the resources and opportunities they need to flourish and thrive, enabling them to create and inspire with resilience and passion for a more caring and inclusive community.”
Mr Alex Yam, Mayor of North West District, said “Bringing arts into the heartlands of the North West District will enable us to build Inclusive Communities where residents can better access and support performances by our local artistes. Importantly, it will also bring our residents together and create a memorable bonding experience, enjoyed conveniently in their neighbourhood.”
Mr Mohd Fahmi Aliman, Mayor of South East District, said "As a multicultural society, access to the arts is important for Singaporeans to celebrate our diversity and foster creativity. By expanding opportunities, we nurture a vibrant and inclusive society where creativity and cultural expression know no boundaries. It is not just about entertainment; it is about empowering every Singaporean to connect with their heritage, express themselves, and find inspiration in the beauty of artistic expression."