New arts space in Bt Merah for people with disabilities
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Kevin Khoe
A new arts space for people with disabilities is set to open early next year in Bukit Merah.
It will be housed at level three of the building once occupied by the Bukit Merah Public Library.
The centre by ART:DIS, a charitable organisation, will include a black box stage, a digital recording studio and community areas where people can meet to share ideas and exchange knowledge.
The charity, formerly known as Very Special Arts Singapore, announced this on Monday during a ceremony to unveil its new name.
Mr Desmond Lee, Minister for National Development and Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration, was the guest of honour at the event.
In his speech, he acknowledged ART:DIS' role in enabling people with disabilities through the arts and reaffirmed the Government's commitment to building a more caring and inclusive society.
The Bukit Merah centre, ART:DIS' third, enables the charity to expand its reach to other parts of Singapore.
The other two venues are in the east - in Bedok North and at Changi City Point.
The charity, which aims to create learning and livelihood opportunities in the arts for people with disabilities, offers training in visual arts, performing arts and literary arts.
Students pay highly subsidised rates to attend classes.
On Monday, ART:DIS also announced the launch of a training programme for emerging artists seeking to pursue a career in the arts.
Under the programme, students will be mentored by experienced artists, get hands-on learning experience and attend masterclasses.
In addition, there will be new foundation classes for those without prior arts experience.
Executive director Maureen Goh said the charity plans to include animation and digital art in its visual arts pathway that now covers two-dimensional art, such as paintings, and three-dimensional art, such as sculptures, when the new centre opens.
ART:DIS was set up in 1993 by Ambassador-at-large Tommy Koh, who became its patron.
It also organises exhibitions and performances for people with disabilities.
Said Professor Koh after the relaunch event: "The arts are blooming and the support of those with disabilities from the Government, the private sector and the community is increasing.
"It is really a golden moment when we can bring the two (the arts and people with disabilities) together."
