Singapore’s communities have been transformed into masterpieces of art and heritage, thanks to the efforts of residents and visitors alike.
As part of our work in fostering social cohesion and nurturing vibrant local communities, Tote Board supported three initiatives where people came together to create shared memories, and connect through diverse forms of art that showcase the best of our local culture.
The Colours of Unity in Macpherson
Imagine walking around your neighbourhood and stumbling upon an art piece that instantly evokes your childhood memories. Thanks to the Arts@Macpherson community arts project, this is now a reality for residents in MacPherson. Since 2018, Tote Board has been supporting Participate in Design Limited, a non-profit organisation, to spearhead a series of art initiatives that aim to foster community bonds and connect people in MacPherson.
In 2022, local artists and community groups collaborated with residents to co-create community art pieces that have brought new life to shared spaces and fostered friendships in the neighbourhood. The result is a vibrant tapestry of unity and creativity that celebrates memories of the neighbourhood. Residents, artists and community workers all felt it “heartwarming” to see seniors participating actively in the art-making sessions.
“Each senior had a unique story. We allowed them freeform on the subject matter and colour, which worked out really well. The artwork was very vibrant. As artists, we are inspired to collaborate with the community on more art projects for public enjoyment,” said Cindy Witono, an artist from LiteWerkz who worked with seniors and volunteers from Care Community Services Society on a community artwork titled ‘Memory Lane’.
Local artists who work with Participate in Design Limited are trained to facilitate an encouraging space for residents to make art.
'Memory Lane' transforms the connecting space over the MacPherson canal into a colourful floating gallery.
Old Meets New at Dakota-Cassia
Leaving behind old friendships as people relocate to a new neighbourhood can be a daunting experience. However, thanks to Art in the Commons: Dakota-Cassia, a multidisciplinary contemporary art project by Singapore Art Museum (SAM) in partnership with Drama Box, residents of Cassia Crescent and adjacent areas had opportunities to rebuild community bonds and make new friendships.
Funded by Tote Board, the project aims to enhance the wellbeing of residents, many of whom are seniors who relocated from old housing estates such as Dakota Crescent. Through arts programmes, residents could start building their support networks within the community, and with fellow residents.
‘The Wind Came Home’, a puppet performance exploring end-of-life topics, and sessions of hands-on interaction with SAM’s Touch Collection artworks, were amongst the activities to encourage dialogue and relationship-building in the community
Residents staying around Cassia Crescent were invited to a puppet performance by renowned puppeteer Tan Beng Tian.
On Homeground at the Singapore HeritageFest 2022
“All aboard the train up north!” Many Singaporeans have fond memories of a bygone era when trains ran the length of the island from Tanjong Pagar to Woodlands en route to Malaysia. Thanks to the Homeground exhibition at the National Museum of Singapore, visitors were able to relive this experience through a recreated train cabin that transported them back in time. Nestled at the backdrop of the train were scenes of the Rail Corridor, now set aside as a nature area.
Supported by Tote Board as part of the Singapore HeritageFest, Homeground featured stories of travel and natural heritage, which were the themes of the festival's 2022 edition. Along with talks and workshops, these experiences evoked a sense of shared heritage and joint identity among Singaporeans on one homeground.
A recreated train cabin transported visitors down memory lane and formed the highlight of the Homeground exhibition.
