"Community node" at Jurong library aims to bring arts to youth in heartland

The fourth floor of Jurong Regional Library was transformed into a live concert venue on Saturday afternoon.

This was part of a community node launched by Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong at the library on Saturday. The youth-centric space aims to bring the arts to the heartlands by offering a line-up of art programmes all year round. These include live performances and creative arts workshops, such as writing, doodling and photography. It also offers a platform for young people and emerging arts groups to showcase their talents.

Piloted in 2012, community nodes are centres of activity that enable the public to enjoy regular and quality arts programmes in their neighbourhoods. There are three other nodes in Singapore - Siglap South Community Club, Kallang Community Club and Woodlands Regional Library. Another will open at Tampines Regional Library on May 10 offering visual arts programmes for adults and seniors such as watercolour painting and pinhole photography workshops.

The National Arts Council plan to have more than 10 nodes by the end of this year, and 25 island-wide by 2025. A $5 million fund has been set aside to set up these nodes.

"We want the arts to be accessible to all Singaporeans," said Mr Wong.

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.