Art fundraiser raises S$230k for mental health non-profit, BT Budding Artists Fund
A RE-CREATION of a cafe setting and a meditative space with mirrors – these were some of the multi-disciplinary experiential spaces that explored the themes of the future, comfort, reflection, dream and journey at art fundraiser Souljourn , which was launched on Friday (Oct 28).
The two-day event, held at Orchard Central, raised S$230,000 from donors which included OCBC Bank, Chemical Industries (Far East) and Standard Chartered Bank (Singapore).
Jointly organised by non-profit social service agency Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) and not-for-profit art organisation TRCL, Souljourn featured works from SAMH beneficiaries.
There were also responses to these artworks by beneficiaries of The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF), which is managed by TRCL.
Visitors could interact with the works to leave their own responses at the event..
The funds will support SAMH – which provides mental health services such as rehabilitation, outreach and creative services – and BT BAF, which helps young people from financially disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue their dreams in arts and culture.
TRCL chief operating officer Phan Ming Yen said the pandemic revealed the urgent need for mental well-being, especially among the vulnerable, and how the arts can provide a positive distraction that is therapeutic.
“Souljourn in some ways was about how these needs intersect and how communities can find commonalities in what they face and journey together towards a shared and uplifting future.”
Julie Tan, corporate services director at SAMH, said: “We are encouraged by the support that we have received and hope that this collaboration will continue to bring different communities together and from this interaction, further enrich our understanding of the needs of the underserved and allow us to serve those in need better.”
Copyright SPH Media. All rights reserved.
