The National Arts Council, Community Development Councils and People’s Association jointly launch ArtsEverywhere@CDC to bring communities together through shared appreciation of the arts
Singapore, 27 July 2024 – 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."
More information on the programme line-up can be found in the Annexes and images of artists and arts group can be accessed in the digital media kit. For the latest updates, please visit go.gov.sg/artseverywhere-cdc and follow us on socials at #ArtsEverywhereCDC.
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Annexes
Annex A: Programme Write Ups for Launch Event on 27 July 2024
Annex B: Programme Details and Line-up for August – October 2024
Annex C: Corporate Information
For media enquiries, please contact:
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Peggy Lam |
Faith Leong |
Annex A - Programme Write-ups for Launch Event on 27 July 2024
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Kito dan Kita presented by NADI Singapura Kito dan Kita is a Malay drumming and music performance inspired by the customs and traditions of the Malay community in Singapore and the Nusantara. It features the Rebana, Gendang, Jidur, Marwas, Talempong, among other instruments, while incorporating dance and singing. NADI Singapura Ltd is a Malay percussion arts ensemble led by two renowned individuals in the Singapore Malay Arts scene, Rebana artisan, Yaziz Hassan and Young Artist Award recipient, Riduan Zalani. It is dedicated to upholding traditions while pushing the craft through innovative approaches in the use of the Malay Archipelago drums. ________________________________________ Echoes of the Forest is an installation by artists Didier Ng and Cherie Ng. Come check out the life-size installation or join in the craft activities led by the artists and try your hand at making a spinning rattle drum or a handphone holder. Didier Ng and Cherie Ng are visual artists who embrace nature with a passion for transforming waste into wonders. Their imaginative creations breathe new life into discarded materials, adding a unique twist to conventional art and prompting one to see beauty in the unexpected. With a meticulous and measured approach to creative art, their work reflect dedication to the craft of upcycling and renewal. ________________________________________ Street Performances HandFX uses his voice to produce a wide range of beats and sounds, creating various song snippets and soundscapes. The Phoenix Quill is a poet who uses typewriters to craft pieces of poetry for audiences on the streets. With prompts from the audience (e.g. a memory, a person, a word, a dream), the poet produces and prints poems which audiences get to keep. |
Annex B - Programme Details and Line Up for August – October 2024
Note: Please visit go.gov.sg/artseverywhere-cdc for updates on programmes.
Programme Details
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My Identity: Beyond Artistry My Identity: Beyond Artistry is a dance musical inspired by the journey of five creative professionals from various fields including film, music, and dance. Come experience their stories and how creativity is woven into the fabric of their existence. Featuring compositions by multi-award-winning composer and accomplished flautist Niranjan Pandian, and choreography by various dance collectives and institutions. About Brahmastra Fringe Activities Parai and Karagam Workshop Mayil and Puppet Photo Booth and Exhibition |
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Evergreen Classics Join us for an enchanting hour of evergreen classics with your family, featuring music from the legendary Teresa Teng and Fei Yu-ching. Experience the magic of songs that have transcended decades, including an ABBA Medley and lively Malay and Indian folk songs. This eclectic mix of tunes offers a unique opportunity to bond with loved ones as you sing along to these beloved melodies. About Ding Yi Music Company Founded in 2007, Ding Yi Music Company is Singapore's leading Chinese chamber ensemble, renowned for its innovative spirit and commitment to excellence in the realm of Chinese chamber music. The ensemble is a National Arts Council Major Company Scheme Recipient since 2016 and was the recipient of the prestigious Singapore Chinese Cultural Contribution Award in 2019. Ding Yi has represented Singapore at numerous prestigious international festivals and performances. Fringe Activities Make Your Own Chinese Spinning Rattle Drum Make Your Own Ruan Qin Fan Art Installation |
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Music in the heART_lands! Join the ensemble from the Philharmonic Wind Orchestra (PWO) for an exciting performance as the musicians enthral you with a delectable spread of songs from English and Mandarin pop songs, evergreens, festive favourites, to songs that reflect our multicultural heritage! About Philharmonic Wind Orchestra Ensemble Fringe Activities Make It and Play It! Percussion Workshop (Buckets and Pails) Make It and Play It! Percussion Workshop (Shakers) |
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Kito dan Kita Be captivated by Kito dan Kita, a Malay drumming and music performance inspired by the customs and traditions of the Malay community in Singapore and the Nusantara. This dynamic performance will feature the Rebana, Gendang, Jidur, Marwas and Talempong, among other instruments, while incorporating dancing and singing. About Nadi Singapura Ltd Fringe Activities Presented by NADI Singapura Ltd Paper Tanjak Workshop Drum Circle Try your hand at drumming with NADI Singapura in this fun and energetic drumming workshop. Presented by Didier Ng and Cherie Ng Echoes of the Forest (Art Installation) Make Your Own Spinning Rattle Drum 'Otter-ly’ Fun! Eco Workshop About Didier Ng and Cherie Ng |
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Melodic Flowers Inspired by flowers, this multi-cultural programme features songs from different cultures which are demonstrated by varied musical styles and instruments. Prepare to engage your senses in this unique experience and be mesmerised by familiar songs like Bunga Sayang, Rose Rose I Love You and folk music from around the world. Fringe Activities - Flower Origami Workshop A Bird’s Journey Follow the story of a baby bird's journey of self-discovery, inspired by, The Ugly Duckling. Accompanied by live traditional musica and voice-over narrations, the performance brings in elements of culture that are unique to Singapore. Audiences also have an opportunity to play on the bird flutes and be part of the interactive performance. Fringe Activities - Bird Flute Workshop About yIN Harmony yIN Harmony is a multi-ethnic music group that infuses various cultural instruments together on a singular platform to reflect the multiracial facets of Singapore. |
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CDC |
Date | Time | Venue |
Programme |
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South West CDC |
Saturday, 3 August |
Melodic Flowers |
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Sunday, 11 August |
Music in the heART_lands! Presented by Philharmonic Wind Orchestra Ensemble (PhilSax) |
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Sunday, 15 August |
My Identity: Beyond Artistry |
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Saturday, 21 September |
Music in the heART_lands! Presented by Philharmonic Wind Orchestra Ensemble (PhilSax) |
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Sunday, 22 September |
Kito dan Kita |
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CDC |
Date | Time | Venue |
Programme |
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North East CDC |
Friday, 16 August |
Melodic Flowers |
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Friday, 20 September |
My Identity: Beyond Artistry |
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Friday, 18 October |
Kito dan Kita |
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CDC |
Date | Time | Venue |
Programme |
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North West CDC |
Saturday, 10 August |
Music in the heART_lands! Presented by Philharmonic Wind Orchestra Ensemble (PhilBrass) |
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Saturday, 7 September |
A Bird’s Journey |
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Saturday, 5 October |
My Identity: Beyond Artistry |
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CDC |
Date | Time | Venue |
Programme |
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South East CDC |
Saturday, 24 August |
Evergreen Classics |
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Saturday, 14 September |
Music in the heART_lands! Presented by Philharmonic Wind Orchestra Ensemble (PhilSax) |
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Saturday, 19 October |
Kito dan Kita |
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CDC |
Date | Time | Venue |
Programme |
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Central Singapore CDC |
Saturday, 10 August |
Melodic Flowers |
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Saturday, 7 September |
The Purple Symphony |
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Saturday, 5 October |
Music in the heART_lands! Presented by Philharmonic Wind Orchestra Ensemble (PhilBrass) |
Annex C
About ArtsEverywhere@CDC
ArtsEverywhere@CDC brings arts experiences to communities where they live, work and play. Every month, members of the public can look forward to arts performances, workshops and activities around Singapore, and develop a greater appreciation for the arts through these shared experiences. This initiative is in line with our aspiration for Our SG Arts Plan (2023 - 2027) to build A Connected Society, where our social connections and national identity are strengthened through the arts.
ArtsEverywhere@CDC is a collaboration between the National Arts Council, People's Association, and the five Community Development Councils, and is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, with Catch (catch.sg) as the official arts and culture media partner.
About the National Arts Council
The National Arts Council champions the arts in Singapore and is committed to nurturing a vibrant and sustainable arts scene that enriches the lives of Singaporeans. Our distinctive arts sector fosters artistic excellence, inspires society, sparks creativity, and connects Singapore with the world. Through our collaborative efforts with individuals, private and public sectors, we aim to cultivate a creative city that inspires, while anchored on a thriving, inclusive and diverse arts scene.
For more information on the Council’s mission and plans, visit www.nac.gov.sg.
About the CDCs
Since 1997, the CDCs have been bridging communities by strengthening social infrastructure, building social resilience and social capital, and promoting a culture of giving back, through the following ways:
(a) Aggregator of Needs and Resources
(b) Builder of Capability / Capacity in Partners and Networks
(c) Connector of Communities
There are five Community Development Councils (CDCs), namely, Central Singapore, North East, North West, South East and South West CDCs. Mayors of the Districts are Chairman of the respective CDCs. The Office of the Mayors comprises:
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(a) Ms Low Yen Ling |
Chairman of Mayors’ Committee & |
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(b) Ms Denise Phua Lay Peng |
Mayor of Central Singapore District |
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(c) Mr Desmond Choo |
Mayor of North East District |
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(d) Mr Alex Yam |
Mayor of North West District |
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(e) Mr Mohd Fahmi Aliman |
Mayor of South East District |
For more information, please visit www.cdc.gov.sg and www.pa.gov.sg