UOL launches new inclusive exhibition to spotlight artists from diverse backgrounds

[SINGAPORE] Property developer UOL on Saturday (Apr 4) launched an inclusive exhibition at Punggol Regional Library showcasing art from those with disabilities as well as from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The exhibition, called “More Art. Made Inclusive”, runs until May 3 and displays 17 artworks. 

These comprise eight winning entries from the UOL X Art:Dis Art Prize 2025, five artworks from Rainbow Centre’s Artability programme which is supported by UOL, and four by 11-year-old Emily Silvester, an aspiring artist and beneficiary of UOL and Pan Pacific Hotels Group’s (PPHG) Community Uplift Programme who is supported by ComLink+.

ComLink+ is a national initiative to boost social mobility.

Liam Wee Sin, group chief executive of UOL, said: “‘More Art. Made Inclusive’ is about making art an inclusive platform, involving artists from Art:Dis, Rainbow Centre and ComLink+. We believe in the power of art to transform narratives and perceptions.”

The artworks feature a range of topics that the artists are interested in, from animals and nature to Singapore’s heritage. 

At the launch, OpenHeart – a heart-shaped mosaic sculpture that visitors can look through – was also revealed. It is composed of 240 tiles decorated by 250 participants from four social service agencies that UOL supports, as well as UOL staff. The agencies are: Rainbow Centre, Art:Dis, Awwa Senior Community Home and Care Corner Singapore. 

Liam added that this is the first time the company is bringing together beneficiaries from these four social service agencies. 

“Today’s event also highlights our emphasis on cross-beneficiary engagement, bringing together our community partners such as Awwa Senior Community Home and Care Corner Student Care Centres to create a more immersive, cross-engagement experience among youth and seniors, enabling them to experience and appreciate art as a community.”

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Such initiatives also allow artists with disabilities to build confidence – especially when their artworks are displayed in a “very public space” like regional libraries, he said.

UOL aims to “create longevity” for this event and replicate it in other public spaces. 

The group CEO noted: “Through ‘More Art. Made Inclusive’, we want to create opportunities and spaces where their voices can be appreciated by the wider community, while nurturing their artistic development over time.”

Pushing for inclusivity

UOL has been supporting inclusive arts since 2014 through various programmes and initiatives, as well as showcasing works of artists with disabilities at its malls, hotels and residential showflats. 

Liam said: “Art plays a powerful role in uplifting the lives and well-being of our artists – it keeps them engaged and provides a meaningful avenue for self-expression and livelihood.” He added that UOL focuses on each artist’s individual journey.

The biennial UOL X Art:Dis Art Prize recognises artists with disabilities from all stages of their artistic practice.

Last year’s winner Christian Tan, whose artworks are also displayed at “More Art. Made Inclusive”, received S$20,000 and a chance to stage a solo exhibition. 

Meanwhile, UOL has been supporting Rainbow Centre’s Artability programme since 2024, allowing it to expand to younger beneficiaries. The programme provides visual arts training to students aged 10 to 18. It has since benefited more than 200 students.

Goh Ting Ying, head of employability services at Rainbow Centre, said: “The main aim for this programme is for them to develop their own unique craft and artist identity. It starts with giving them the exposure and then deepening their skill set.”

After graduating from Artability, artists are encouraged to continue developing their skills under Art:Dis’ Artist-in-Training programme, which offers lifelong learning, industry exposure and employment opportunities.

Most recently, UOL commissioned artists with disabilities to create artworks for luxury hotel NoMad Singapore, which is slated to open in the second half of 2026.

“We see ourselves as enablers for artists with disabilities,” Liam noted.