Singapore Government Press Release

Media Division, Ministry of Information & The Arts, #36-00, PSA Building, 460 Alexandra Road, Singapore 119963, Tel: 3757794/5

SPEECH BY MR ABDULLAH TARMUGI, MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF SELEGIE ARTS CENTRE ON SATURDAY, 16 NOVEMBER 1996, 3.00 PM AT 30 SELEGIE ROAD, SELEGIE ARTS CENTRE

Good afternoon Mr Liu Thai Ker, Chairman of the National Arts Council,

Mr David Tay, President of the Photographic Society of Singapore,

Ladies and gentlemen,

In recent years, there has been a greater interest in the arts in the community. The programmes initiated by the NAC to reach out to the public have helped to create and deepen this interest. This is a good move that should be encouraged. Events such as concerts in the parks, lunch time concerts, arts education programmes and fringe performances at community centres, libraries and shopping centres all create a greater awareness of and interest in the arts. This will lead to a more vibrant and varied arts scene in Singapore.

But apart from these activities and programmes, the provision of arts infrastructure is also necessary for the development of the arts. Arts groups are housed in vacant schools and conserved buildings, and a number are also housed at community centres such as the Tampines Cultural Centre and Braddell Heights Community Club. In my own Community Centre in Siglap we have provided space and rehearsal facilities for the Victoria Chorale, one of the leading choirs in Singapore. I understand that there are plans to co-locate more arts groups at community centres and clubs over the next few years. This will bring the arts even closer to the people, given the strategic spread of the centres and clubs all over the island. The activities generated by these groups will also help to build closer rapport within the community.

All these activities and the provision of arts facilities augur well for the development of arts in Singapore and brings our vision of making Singapore a gracious society and global city for the arts a step closer.

Today, I am very glad that the Photographic Society of Singapore has been allocated this beautiful building to develop and carry out its activities. The Society has an enthusiastic membership and a rich history of more than 46 years in promoting the art of photography in Singapore. Its two major annual photographic exhibitions, the Singapore International Salon and the ASEAN Salon, have served as a platform for budding and established photographers alike to showcase their talents. I hope that it will continue to groom more talents and encourage aspiring photographic artists to exhibit their work to a wider audience.

I understand that while the rehabilitation cost of this building was funded by the NAC, the Photographic Society of Singapore has also received financial support from its members and in particular Lady Yuen Ping McNiece for its customisation works. I would like to join the PSS in thanking them for their generous contributions. Support from the private sector and individuals are necessary for the development of the arts. I hope that this fruitful partnership between the Government, private sector and the arts community will continue to grow.

I would like to congratulate the PSS on the occasion of the opening of its premises at Selegie Arts Centre. I wish it success and hope that this allocation will motivate the Society to achieve ever greater heights. It now gives me great pleasure to declare the Selegie Arts Centre officially open. Thank you.