BT-supported kids' arts centre opens

Singapore

THE Little Arts Academy (LAA), which is supported by The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BTBAF), opened the first of its two centres in the north of Singapore last weekend. LAA provides free arts training for kids from socially disadvantaged homes.

LAA currently has a city campus at PoMo on Selegie Road. Its two new campuses in Northpoint City represent an expansion: The first was opened on Saturday, the second will open in March 2018. LAA can train up to 500 students yearly. With its two new centres, that number rises to 800.

Guest of honour Rosa Daniel, chief executive officer of the National Arts Council, officiated at the opening. She said: "As our nation continues to mature, the role of the arts becomes increasingly important. NAC's vision for the arts in 2025 is for Singapore to be home to diverse and distinctive arts that inspire our people, connect our communities and position Singapore globally."

Many alumni of LAA have gone on to further their arts education in reputable institutions such as the School of the Arts Singapore, LASALLE College of the Arts and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts.

Alvin Tay, who is chairman of BTBAF's advisory board, believes in the positive impact of arts training on children from less privileged backgrounds: "The sustained arts training LAA provides... develops them into resilient and confident young people."

One of the ways BTBAF raises funds for its beneficiaries is through ChildAid, an annual charity concert which returns later this month. To be directed for the first time by top musician Dick Lee, the 13th edition of the concert will be held on Nov 24 and 25 at Resorts World Theatre at Resorts World Sentosa. Tickets for the public at S$20 each are selling fast on Sistic.