RWS, Art:Dis make a splash for SEA Aquarium’s 12th anniversary with art exhibit, workshops
The collaboration is an extension of the broader RWS Cares programme
[SINGAPORE] Among the new exhibits for SEA Aquarium’s 12th anniversary celebrations is a vibrant and colourful textured painting featuring various forms of marine life found at the aquarium, such as manta rays and corals. This is the first of a three-part artwork series titled Evolving Oceans: A Symphony of Life.
“I created this painting to bring the ocean’s vibrant life and energy to the canvas… As the SEA Aquarium transforms to become the Singapore Oceanarium, this piece represents that journey of growth,” said Eugene Soh, the artist behind the painting.
He is a person with disabilities (PWD) from non-profit organisation Art:Dis who is self-taught and inspired by Impressionism. Soh was commissioned by the aquarium to create this painting for its anniversary.
“It’s a tribute to the ever-evolving nature of the sea, and a reminder of how deeply connected we are to it,” he added.
As part of the celebrations, Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) has teamed up with Art:Dis for not only the Evolving Oceans artwork series, but also to run a series of marine-themed art workshops.
These aim to create awareness of ocean and marine life – which has taken a hit due to climate change. The anniversary campaign runs from Mar 8 to Apr 30, leading up to SEA Aquarium’s transition into Singapore Oceanarium.
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Lam Xue Ying, vice-president of SEA Aquarium, said: “(Our collaboration with Art:Dis) provides a platform for talented artists with disabilities to gain well-deserved recognition, fostering a more inclusive and representative arts scene.”
At Open Ocean Habitat, guests can sign up for complimentary workshops led by Art:Dis.
Angela Tan, executive director of Art:Dis, noted: “These workshops range from Sea Jelly lantern-making to colouring sessions where participants use a template from Eugene’s paintings to create their own SEA Aquarium scene.”
The coloured-in templates will contribute to the other two parts of the Evolving Oceans series, which will be revealed in phases.
Lam added: “This initiative not only spotlights the talents of differently abled artists, but also fosters a more inclusive and engaging experience, aligning with our vision of using our platform to create meaningful opportunities that… inspire learning and bring people together through a shared appreciation for marine life.”
Guests can also collect an exclusive chopstick holder – made at Art:Dis’ in-house ceramic studio by artists with disabilities – after spending a minimum of S$80 at the retail shop.
In addition to the artwork series and workshops, SEA Aquarium has specially curated zones to celebrate its impact on marine education, conservation and appreciation. These include the Wall of Fame, which showcases the aquarium’s milestones; Treasures of Curios, which spotlights its research and conservation efforts; and Marine Mirage, a tactile exhibit where guests can learn about species such as zebra sharks and sea jellies.
Providing a platform for persons with disabilities
SEA Aquarium’s partnership with Art:Dis is an extension of the broader RWS Cares programme.
“Run by our corporate volunteers, RWS Cares focuses on four giving pillars – climate change, education, support for local enterprises and food security – where we believe in catalysing vibrant socio-economic development through and beyond our operations and fostering inclusive growth,” said an RWS spokesperson.
In February, the integrated resort partnered SPD to host more than 30 PWDs at the Harry Potter: Visions of Magic exhibition in Sentosa.
“RWS Cares supports purpose-driven partnerships that amplify impact (on) the community and our environment… We are continuing to establish meaningful partnerships to provide industry exposure for persons with disabilities,” the spokesperson added.
Meanwhile, Art:Dis regularly partners corporates to expand its outreach and provide a platform for its artists with disabilities to showcase their work on a larger scale.
Tan said: “Partnerships enable us to extend the advocacy work we do within the arts and disability sector to reach more and newer audiences – changing perspectives, opening conversations and engaging people in meaningful ways so that we can better bridge disabled and non-disabled communities.”
Besides corporate partnerships, Art:Dis runs programmes for PWDs to develop their artistic abilities. In 2024, it ran more than 165 classes for over 870 clients.
“Beyond this, our parallel professional development pathway further supports sustainable and meaningful impact for PWDs to gain work experience, empowering them to live independently in the community through respectable careers as artists,” she added.
Last year, the non-profit also facilitated nearly 270 professional opportunities for its beneficiaries.
Later this month, it is hosting the sixth edition of its Arts & Disability Forum 2025, which will bring together more than 300 sector professionals, creatives, academics and programmers to discuss best practices in building a more inclusive environment.
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