‘A Synergy of Arts in Singapore’ – SG60 exhibition raises funds for Drama Box

[SINGAPORE] From scenes of kampungs to the old National Theatre at Fort Canning to National Day celebrations, viewers of a new exhibition staged by Dynasties Antiques & Art Gallery at Pan Pacific Singapore can relive Singapore’s 60 years of independence.

Titled “A Synergy of Arts in Singapore”, the exhibition comprises 40 artworks by 18 artists and commemorates SG60. Every piece is available for purchase, with the proceeds going towards charity organisation Drama Box. Prices range from S$900 to S$18,000.

The artworks – spanning various art mediums such as oil on canvas, wood-cut print and acrylic on canvas – portray icons, symbols and landmarks that represent Singapore’s past and present.

For example, there are several artworks depicting former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, the Singapore River, the old General Post Office and kampungs.

Howard Yu, a private art consultant whose parents own Dynasties Gallery, said: “Some of this scenery in the past has not been seen in actual reality (by viewers). This exhibition can bring them back to history and (allow them to) appreciate what Singapore has gone through.”

Other artworks portray Singapore as we know it now – the skyline, the Central Business District, the annual National Day firework celebrations, the new Bird Paradise, and landmarks such as Cavenagh Bridge.

Yu added that he “hopes to educate the public” through this exhibition, as well as “lend a helping hand” to Drama Box’s beneficiaries.

Dynasties Gallery previously staged exhibitions to raise funds for non-profit organisations, such as the National Kidney Foundation and Community Chest.

“A Synergy of Arts in Singapore” is open to the public until Jun 1.

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Supporting community engagement initiatives

The funds raised from the exhibition will support Drama Box’s initiatives and programmes.

Koh Hui Ling, co-artistic director of Drama Box, said: “Besides doing shows in theatre spaces, what Drama Box is known for is its socially engaged or community engagement projects. We take the art and theatre-making out of the theatre space and into the public sphere.”

The charity, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, currently has two ongoing projects – Project 12 and Arts in the Commons: Dakota Cassia.

Project 12 is based in Pulau Ubin, and explores the future of sustainability for the island. The initiative comprises artist residency programmes, arts-based community-building activities, an audio tour with visual art installations, and more.

Koh said: “We go (to Pulau Ubin) and spend time with the residents. Then, we create art projects based on the interactions that we have with them to enliven, support and uplift the community.”

Meanwhile, Drama Box works with lower-income households living in Cassia Crescent for community-building and collaborative art activities. This tie-up has been ongoing for almost 10 years.

“A lot of our projects in recent times have been long and ongoing, allowing us to interact directly with the community and design for the community itself,” she added.

Youth engagement is also an important area for Drama Box. The charity works with the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts to hold a five-day camp for youths.

Koh noted: “We rally the young people together through engagement of the arts to work on issues like confidence, social anxiety and making friends.”

Later this year, Drama Box will participate in the International Community Arts Festival, which will bring together artists that work in community spaces and do advocacy work.