Mr Donald Tan, President, Singapore Watercolour Society
Dr Ho Kah Leong
Distinguished guests
Art enthusiasts, artists, parents, students and teachers
Good afternoon
1. I am happy to join all of you in celebrating our youths' artistic talents. Congratulations to all our 54 award recipients whose artworks have been exhibited alongside the Society's artists!
2. Art is integral to the holistic development of our youths. A quality arts education lays a strong foundation for students to develop skills and 21st Century Competencies such as self-awareness, social awareness, as well as inventive thinking. Art also encourages our students to collaborate, have empathy and an appreciation for other cultures. One of my daughters is also an art enthusiast and she benefits greatly from the learning that she gets in school from her friends and her teachers. I am thankful that our schools are helping students to discover their talents, and to equip them with the techniques, tools and knowledge for them to apply in art. I hope that our students will put their artistic talents to good use, and to help shape society and make Singapore a vibrant city.
3. This is why we aim to provide students across all levels with the opportunity to hone their artistic talent through Art. We have recently refreshed both the Primary and Lower Secondary Art Teaching and Learning Syllabuses in tandem with the evolving global landscape. We also want to strengthen our students' 21st Century Competencies. This can help us ensure that our art education remains relevant and continues to nurture creative minds who will not only succeed in the art and creative industries, but also to apply their creative thinking across disciplines.
4. After all, art exists not just in works of art, but in all things around us. The theme of this year's exhibition, "Colourful Splashes", aptly describes the symphony of colours, emotions and stories brought to life through watercolour by our students and the Society's artists. As I was walking through the gallery, I was impressed by the talent that we have amongst us. I am heartened to hear that more than 1,400 students have submitted artworks illustrating their vision of "My Beautiful Singapore".
5. The development of the arts requires a whole-of-society partnership. Organisations like the Singapore Watercolour Society play an active role in promoting watercolour art and encouraging local artists to experiment with different techniques, styles and subject matter. Over the years, the Society has also organised various workshops, training and competitions to provide different platforms for our youths to hone their skills, and showcase their talents and good work. I would like to convey my deepest gratitude to the Singapore Watercolour Society for their good work.
6. In closing, I would like to congratulate all the participating artists and students for your dedication and your commitment to art. Your works inspire us to see the world through different lenses.
7. To all the guests here today, I hope you join me in appreciating and loving art through the eyes of the artists and students. I wish you all a good day. Thank you.