Digital playscape by young artists opens at National Museum

Singapore

THE Little Arts Academy (LAA) is presenting a digital playscape at the National Museum till Feb 7.

Conceptualised and produced by young budding artists aged 12 to 14 from LAA, the playscape that marries technology and arts is known as PlayTech+.

It features three different art installations that utilise augmented reality, projection mapping and digital illustrations.

The teens whose works are being exhibited at PlayTech+ are visual arts students of LAA, an arts centre that provides free training in the arts and is supported by The Business Times Budding Artists Fund.

Said Azizah Abdullah, curriculum manager at LAA: "The kids are very proud of PlayTech+, which they have put together in less than two months. In creating these exhibits based on their childhood memories of play, they have also acquired new digital skills.

"This transition towards digital literacy is a growing focus for us. We would like to impart digital and technology skills to the kids, which would be very valuable to them as they grow older."

These budding artists picked up creative media and digital technologies through a series of Tech+Arts modules that the academy introduced in July last year. The programme was initiated to give children and youths greater access to technology.

HSBC is the presenting sponsor for PlayTech+ and has also donated S$120,000 in support of Tech+Arts programmes for the children and youth beneficiaries of The Business Times Budding Artists Fund.

Tony Cripps, group general manager and chief executive officer of HSBC Singapore said: "HSBC has been a long-term supporter of education. We have also seen how new technology can disadvantage those with a lack of access to it. To this end, it is meaningful for the bank to channel its charitable partnerships towards such collaborations with The Business Times Budding Artists Fund."

The fund provides opportunities for under-served children to develop their interest in the arts regardless of their financial situation.

LAA is managed by non-profit arts organisation The Rice Company.