Volume 6 Jan 2018 MCI (P) 142/05/2017 Welcome to my world ON COVER IN THIS ISSUE: Flight Of Beauty, 59.5 cm x 47.5 cm, Poster Colour, by Lee Mun Choong (Artist under ALIVE programme) 02...... We Didn’t Expect That! Company Of Good Fellowship MISSION 03...... APEX & ALERT To create and provide access and opportunities for people with June Holidays Workshops disabilities through the arts. 04...... ALIVE TALKS: Session 02 ALERT Excursions VISION A world where people with disabilities are empowered through 05...... Volunteer Gathering Night the arts, contribute to and integrate with the community. Volunteer Appreciation Party Very Special Theatrics: Peter & The Wolf 06...... Welcome To Paradise VOICES Spotlight: Joshua German 07 07...... Welcome to My World 2017- VSA Annual Concert 08...... STRIKE Academy APEX September Holidays Workshop 09...... Sharing Session- David Mack The POWER of Poetry 10...... ALIVE Artiste: Robert Tan VSA Annual Art Competition 2017 11...... The Purple Parade 2017 12...... People, Places & Pieces The Lipstick Art of Chng Seok Tin 13...... VSA Out Loud! VSA Creative Dance Group, Lil’ Wings, performing in “Welcome To My World 2017” CITI-YMCA Youth For Causes 2017 14...... Woh Hup VSA Year-End Party 2017 15...... Re-Opening Of VSA Art Space @Bedok New VSA Merchandise

Flight Of Beauty, 59.5 cm x 47.5 cm, Poster Colour, by Lee Mun Choong VSA EVENTS We Didn’t Expect That!

A total of 18 student-artists, between the ages of 14 to 28, had the opportunity to present their works at this year’s VOICES exhibition. They included youngsters with autism spectrum disorder, Down Syndrome, hearing loss and learning challenges. Under their mentors’ guidance, they were able to put up art works which were of professional quality and which incorporated the authenticity of their unique and lived experiences. The quirky theme of “We didn’t expect that!” provided much creative fodder for the participants to capture, in their art, moments that were unexpected or unforeseen to them. Joining The Good Fellows For our young artists, it also served as a timely reflection on NATIONAL Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre runs a the unpredictability of life. programme “Company of Good Fellowship” for corporate The three workshops which focused on drawing, drum leaders who wish to launch or enhance their companies’ painting and 3D pen, were conducted by Kenneth Lee, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. On Cavan Chang and Jacob Tan respectively, and were well 31 May 2017, VSA welcomed corporate staff from this received by the public. In the pipeline are more of such programme for a sharing session, after which some workshops to build our artists’ confidence in art making and approached VSA to explore collaborations. communication skills. During the session, VSA executive director Maureen Goh gave an overview of VSA programmes and offered the following thoughts on how corporates could create effective and successful partnerships with non-profits. In her view, corporates should: • Understand and clarify their expectations, purposes, goals in working with a non-profit; • Understand the policies and guidelines that govern charities; for example, the 30/70 rule of fundraising as well as the requirement for a signed agreement and fundraising licence; • Understand the selected charity – its mission and vision, as well as needs and constraints; • Be honest and clear about their own needs and expectations; • Be open to new possibilities and alternatives to initial plans

02 | Welcome to My World VSA EVENTS

APEX: SHADOW PUPPETRY WORKSHOP

PARTICIPANTS of the three-day Shadow Puppetry Workshop had great fun exploring the abstract contrast between light and dark, as well as getting hands on in creating their own puppets and portable theatre props! The puppets and props were made from recycled Organised by VSA, SHI SHA Productions conducted the materials such as bamboo sticks and shoe boxes. These workshop which brought about an immersive experience magically became caterpillars, apples and butterflies! And for all, as shadows on the walls came alive, accompanied it only required a desk lamp and, of course, imagination by soothing piano music. and creativity, to complete the illusion of reality.

ALERT: June Holidays Workshops VSA had lined up a series of novel and interesting workshops and courses for our ALERT students during the June holidays

Drawing In 3D Drawing non-stop In this 3D Pen workshop conducted by instructor Ranae, Imagine drawing intricate shapes and outlines and figures students had the opportunity to visualise in three and details, all in one go and without lifting the pen off the dimensions and create 3D works of art. They also learnt paper. Seems difficult? That’s what students tried their hand about handling the pen safely and using the various tools to at in this continuous line drawing workshop. First, they enhance their work. visualised or copied an image, and then off they went! It was an unique challenge indeed. Water Calligraphy It was great fun for our students during this one-day water The water calligraphy and continuous line drawing calligraphy workshop. Using water brush pens rather than workshops were conducted by student volunteers the usual watercolour brushes, they had a go at doing from ITE College East. calligraphy in a different manner. Among the skills they VSA wishes to express picked up were using the water brushes to vary the shades our thanks to of their work and create gradients as well as mix colours in the volunteers. their artworks.

Volume 6 Issue Jan 2018 | 03 VSA EVENTS ALIVE TALKS: SESSION 02

SUSTAINABILITY IN THE ARTS: WHAT’S POSSIBLE? by Audrey Wong

ON 24 August, VSA hosted the second in a series of talks specially catered for participants in the ALIVE programme. Audrey Wong, who heads the School of Creative Industries at LASALLE College of the Arts, gave a lecture on the crucial questions facing all artists and arts organisations: How can they make a living from their artistic activities? Is it a must for an artist to obtain funding from the National Arts Council to get by? What are the other strategies and tools to help the artist sustain their art-making? The enlightening and thought-provoking session explored the funding and sustainability challenges in the arts sector, and also facilitated a discussion about possible income generation and fundraising models.

Audrey Wong Wai Yen has an MA in English from the the Associate Artists programme which supported National University of Singapore and an MA in Arts local artists in different disciplines. Audrey was on the Administration & Cultural Policy from Goldsmiths Singapore Art Museum board, a council member of the College, University of London. She was previously National Arts Council, and is currently on the board of artistic co-director at The Substation, where she started Nine Years Theatre. She was also a Nominated Member the pioneering Moving Images film programme and of Parliament from 2009 to 2011. Oh, The Places We’ll Go! RED ALERT! Aspiring artists from our centers were set loose in public over the past months. Watch out for more exciting outings and activities for participants under our ALERT programme!

Yayoi Kusama: Life Is The Heart Of A Rainbow Our students visited iconic Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s exhibition at National Gallery Singapore, where her highly acclaimed sculptures, art installations and paintings were on display.

Imaginarium: To the Ends of the Earth ALERT students also made a trip down to the Singapore Art Museum for this exhibition, which features the work of nine contemporary artists. It encouraged our students to explore new ways of seeing the surrounding environments and experiencing the world around them.

Outdoor Drawing at Bedok Reservoir Park A lovely morning at the serene Bedok Reservoir Park proved the perfect source of inspiration to our students who were there to practise drawing scenery.

Photography by the Singapore River The historic (and nowadays very happening!) Singapore River winding around the heart of modern Singapore was the happy hunting ground for our student-shutterbugs.

04 | Welcome to My World VSA EVENTS Specially For Volunteers

VSA Singapore regularly hosts thank- was an occasion to party and learn you sessions for our volunteers for 23 volunteers and donors. VSA and donors. Besides conveying our Executive Director Maureen Goh appreciation, these events also serve gave a welcome address and Senior to review VSA’s past events and give Executive Magali Finet updated them updates on upcoming ones, understand on the programmes. A special treat what volunteers are interested in, and was also in store for all present – garner feedback on improving our VOICES beneficiary Joshua German programmes (via survey forms). put up a jazz piano performance The evening of 8 June at the for everyone! VSA staff Mr Shaudin VSA Art Space at Changi City Point Othman and teacher Mr Francis Poon also conducted educational talks on “Supporting Learning Needs” and “How Visual Arts Helps People with Autism”. VSA also held another Volunteer Appreciation Party on 8 Dec 2017 at VSA Art Space @Changi where volunteers were appreciated with dinner, certificates and the Christmas Show by our very own Very Special Theatrics.

for both shows on 18 June 2017. VST also performed at VSA’s annual ... AND A WOLF JOINS THE “Welcome to My World 2017” concert at The Republic Cultural Centre on 13 BIRDS AND BUTTERFLIES August, with a re-staging of “Birds & Butterflies”. For a setup which is less than a year old, VST’s impact has been substantial. A parent of one of VST’s actors with disability said: “After joining VST, Samuel is more vocal and opens up more in his speech, and has the chance to develop his innate talent”. VST actor Aqiyah said that being a part of VST has enabled her to pick up leadership and teamwork skills as well as “built VERY Special Theatrics (VST) is an which the Victoria Concert Hall up her confidence tremendously”. inclusive theatre company which commissioned ACT 3 Theatrics to stage places persons with special needs at under its ‘VCH Organ Series 2017’. ACT its core. Established in January 2017, 3 Theatrics casted actors from VST VST is a partnership between VSA and in the play together with mainstream ACT 3 Theatrics. Its actors include artistes such as Remesh Panicker and persons with disabilities and theatre Yap YiKai. The stellar production team practitioners. consisted of R Chandran as artistic After VST’s successful debut “Birds director, Amy J Cheng as co-director, & Butterflies” in February, it went on to and Sherri Toh as stage manager. The scale greater heights. VST’s next show play, held at the historical Victoria was “Peter & the Wolf”, a production Concert Hall, was staged to full houses

Volume 6 Issue Jan 2018 | 05 VSA EVENTS Welcome To Paradise

VSA’s annual art exhibition “Welcome to Paradise” showcased a total of 100 paintings at Changi City Point Mall from 17 to 23 July 2017. The theme spurred the creativity of our VSA artists in visualising their idea of paradise and bringing it to reality via their art pieces.

VOICES Spotlight: Joshua Allen Rui Xiong German

JOSHUA is a pianist who has autism. His innate talent for jazz music opens a door for him to become a unique jazz performer in Singapore and possibly beyond. After joining VSA’s VOICES programme in June 2017 to learn jazz piano, Joshua has had the opportunity to participate in numerous events where he could showcase his skills. Highlights included opening the ACE 99 “Music Within” event at Plaza Singapura on 9 July with a piano performance; a keyboard performance as part of the Fringe Activities at the annual concert “Welcome to My World 2017” at The Republic Cultural Centre on 13 August; performing at a Youth For Causes 2017 event in collaboration with People’s Association Youth Movement (PAYM) on 6 August at Sun Plaza; performing at the opening ceremony for the VSA 15th Annual Art Competition for Children and Youths with Disabilities at Forum the Shopping Mall on 15 September; and at the Metta Charity Banquet at Convention Centre on 20 October; and lastly, at the MCCY Charity Award Ceremony on 15 November at Mariott Tang Plaza Hotel.

06 | Welcome to My World VSA EVENTS

Guest Of Honour for WTMW 2017, Mr Tan Chuan-Jin

On Cloud Nine: Welcome to My World 2017 THE 9th edition of VSA’s annual showpiece “Welcome was most encouraging too, as they praised the concert to My World – A Concert by People with Disabilities” for being engaging and interactive, as well as immersive was yet another feather in the cap for the disability arts and eye-opening. The involvement of the audience as community. Held on 13 August 2017 at The Republic part of the show and the quality of the choreography Cultural Centre, the concert was graced by guest of and collaborations with professional artists were other honour Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, then Minister for Social and positive feedback garnered. Fringe activities to showcase Family Development. VSA’s professional and budding artists and their talent This year’s edition, led by artistic director Mr R and booths selling VSA crafts and merchandise were Chandran, welcomed 222 performers as well as 32 another highlight. teachers and chaperons from 15 groups. The diverse All these were made possible due to our volunteers performers included a combined choir from four special from Republic Polytechnic and Anglo-Chinese Junior education schools and the ITE Show Choir giving a College who manned the back stage, artist liaison beautiful rendition of “Is Beautiful” and “Go Distance”, and front of house areas, as well as the volunteer along with Benjamin Kheng from local band The Sam designers from Temasek Polytechnic who did the Willows. The other performing groups which enthralled programme booklet. the audience were hip hop dancers from Redeafination, Thanks also go out to our collaborators. “Welcome to Community Drumming from Global ArtsCare, and VSA’s My World” was organised in partnership with Republic very own Very Special Theatrics. Polytechnic, supported by National Arts Council and Fly The concert’s sub theme “We are one community” Entertainment Pte Ltd, and sponsored by Lee Foundation was aptly conveyed in the finale item, which had all and Singapore Pools (Private) Limited. Skyy Creative performers joyously dancing and singing, led by Amy J Consultant Pte Ltd volunteered their services as the Cheng and Benjamin Kheng. The audience’s response official communication agency.

VSA’s Very Special Theatrics (VST) Finale item performed by Amy Cheng, Benjamim Kheng and WTMW performers

Volume 6 Issue Jan 2018 | 07 VSA EVENTS Strike Academy Bowls Us Over

TO celebrate their company’s first decade of operations, the which she later received as a token of appreciation. VSA big-hearted staff of Strike Academy Pte Ltd undertook to students Noah Tan, Ezra Chan and Cavan Cheng also turned raise funds for VSA Singapore. Over six months, Strike and up to support the event and share their art and experiences VSA Singapore collaborated to decorate 71 bowling pins with the Strike parents. And, of course, they had a go at which had been donated by the academy. VSA held workshop bowling with the Strike bowlers! sessions to give beneficiaries of all ages and abilities a hand at turning the bowling pins into works of art. The pins were then put up for auction at Temasek Club’s bowling alley on 2 September 2017, during Strike Academy’s 10th anniversary celebrations. A total of about $16,000 was raised, thanks to donors’ generosity and support. VSA board chairman Mr Andrew Liew, and VSA executive director Ms Maureen Goh received the cheque from Ms Koh Siew Hoon and Mr Don Chan, directors of Strike Academy Pte Ltd. VSA artist Raymond Lau did a portrait of guest of honour Ms Jessie Phua, President of the Singapore Bowling Federation,

WUSHU PERFORMING ARTS WORKSHOP

MENTION wushu and what comes to mind, for most people, would be flying kicks and graceful poses with swords and other weapons. But wushu is more than a martial skill or sport, it is also a performing art. The three-day wushu workshop had our participants, aged 6 to 21 years, guided by Ace, an alumni from the Republic Polytechnic Wushu Interest Group. The enthusiastic students learnt basic wushu movements – such as the resting position, punch, kick as well as basic floorwork – and which incorporated music.

08 | Welcome to My World VSA EVENTS

A “Marvel”lous Time with David Mack

POW! American comic book author and artist David Mack materialised at the VSA Art Space at Changi City Point on 15 David Mack is a comic book artist and writer known September 2017. The famous artist was there for a session for his creator-owned series Kabuki, and for co- with our artist-students and art teacher from the VOICES creating Echo, the deaf Marvel Comics superhero. programme. (A shout out to the United States embassy for Mack has also worked on Marvel Comics publications making this a reality!) such as Daredevil, Alias, Wow! Besides showing his past works, which included New Avengers and White Tiger. His work on the opening title of the well-received TV series “Jessica the Kabuki graphic novels has won acclaim for its Jones”, David Mack also did an eye-opening ‘live’ drawing innovative storytelling, sophisticated content, mixed demonstration for the student-artists. The enjoyable session media painting techniques and page design. ended on a high – David generously gave each participant a print as a souvenir.

The P WER Of Poetry

FOR three weeks from August to September 2017, VSA session held on 10 September, in which the students read Singapore organised a workshop with Writing Through, a aloud their poems in front of an audience of their family and literary arts organisation for underprivileged and at-risk friends. It was indeed a powerful and enriching experience communities. During the workshop, eight VSA students for our budding poets. composed poems on the theme “POWER” after exploring its many possible interpretations. Among the intriguing ones included: Is there power in wind and ocean? In stories? What about the concept of magic? In finding a place to belong with friends and family? In ourselves? The enthusiastic students first brought together their ideas to create a group poem, after which each of them examined the theme individually. Hesitation fell away and confidence grew as they put pen to paper, and gave voice to their feelings and opinions. The post-workshop result? A well-received poetry recital

Volume 6 Issue Jan 2018 | 09 VSA EVENTS

Robert Tan Presents VSA was involved in providing entertainment at a year-end party on 11 November 2017, in conjunction with the Albert Goh Cup 2017 at Singapore Island Country Club organised by Far East Organisation. It was a beautiful evening for all to savour at the equally exquisite country club, as Mr Robert Tan provided the music with his repertoire of songs, a highlight of which was the classic “What A Wonderful World”. Mr Robert Tan, who is part of VSA’s ALIVE Programme, has performed at numerous events, including the recent DBS Family Day and NCSS Sunray Appreciation Day. To engage Mr Robert Tan, please contact Ms Nur Fatehah at [email protected].

Seeing What They Saw

VSA marked the 15th edition of its annual art competition for children and 1st Prize for Youth youths with disability with a brand new title “Do You See What I See?”. Category by Danial And in line with its goal to discover and showcase talents in the disability Isaac Bin Abdullah community, more eligible participants could take part via a newly added Young Adults category for those with disability aged 21 to 35. An unexpected 62 entries were received for this newest category. The theme for this edition was “What’s impossible when I’m Possible”. Over 150 artworks created by participants from more than 17 organisations and special education schools in Singapore were exhibited at Forum The Shopping Mall from 15 to 24 September 2017. Mr Baey Yam Keng, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, was guest of honour for the opening ceremony on 15 September 2017. About 150 visitors from special education schools and VWOs enjoyed the exhibition and signed up for the craft workshops held in conjunction with the event. The venue also enabled convenient access and mass outreach to the general public.

1st Prize for Young Adults Category by Heng Choon Yang Guest Of Honour, Mr Baey Yam Keng, for “Do You See What I See”

Cajorn Performance by APEX students

1st Prize for Child Category by Aw Yong Jun En, Nathaniel

10 | Welcome to My World VSA EVENTS

THE PURPLE PARADE 2017

Guest Of Honour, President , with other participants of The Purple Parade 2017

SINGAPORE’s largest movement to support inclusion and celebrate the abilities of persons with special needs, The Purple Parade is a ground-up initiative by volunteer groups and supported by various community and corporate organisations. VSA Singapore is proud to be one of them! Organised by Central Singapore CDC, the 5th edition of Purple Parade this year boasted the privilege of having Madam Halimah Yacob, the newly elected , as the guest of honour. Held on Saturday, 28 October 2017 from 3pm to 7pm at Suntec City, The Purple Parade 2017 brought together a record 163 organisations and a sea of purple-clad 10,000 participants and visitors. A total of 36 VSA beneficiaries were involved in the event, among whom was our creative dance group, Lil’ Wings, which performed “Like a Paper Bag” and “Look What You Made Me Do” during the concert segment. The jazzy dance concept and quirky newspaper-boy look of our dancers in turn surprised and captivated the audience. VSA also set up a booth to sell our artists’ merchandise, generating $1,882 in sales. VSA staff Ms Victoria Ding and Ms Nur Fatehah were in charge for our participation in Purple Parade, while Chairman Mr Andrew Liew and Executive Director Ms Maureen Goh were in attendance as invited guests.

Volume 6 Issue Jan 2018 | 11 VSA EVENTS People, Places & Pieces Bearing the theme of “People, Places Our guest of honour, Mr Low Eng & Pieces” in mind, our artists shared Teong, Assistant Chief Executive (Sector their memories about these three Development), National Arts Council, Ps which matter to them through graced the opening of the exhibition. the media of paintings, photography The opening ceremony also saw and glasswork. More than 90 pieces volunteer singer, Nadia, together with of artworks were exhibited at ION our APEX ukulele student, Jonathan Orchard’s ION (Art) Gallery from 20 to Godwin Tan, performed “Stand By Me”, 26 October 2017, for the first time. “Save My World” and “Fireworks”.

THE OPENING CEREMONY ALSO SAW VOLUNTEER SINGER, Guest Of Honour, Mr Low Eng Teong for People, Places & Pieces with VSA Artist, NADIA, TOGETHER WITH Ms Chng Seok Tin OUR APEX UKULELE STUDENT, JONATHAN SUPPORTED by the National Arts GODWIN TAN, Council, People, Places & Pieces is part of VSA Singapore’s on-going PERFORMED “STAND BY exhibition series to showcase and sell ME”, “SAVE MY WORLD” artworks by artists with disabilities. AND “FIREWORKS”.

More Than Lip Service: The Lipstick Art Of Chng Seok Tin

A lipstick is probably among the last things one thinks of as an art piece. But not for Cultural Medallion recipient Ms Chng Seok Tin, whose latest art installation is made from lipsticks. Ms Chng is a multiple award-winning printmaker, sculptor and multimedia artist who has visual impairment. About 4,000 lipsticks were donated by the public during a collection drive led by Raffles City Singapore. This project is a collaboration between Raffles City and VSA to transform mundane objects into works of art and bring the arts closer to the people. Collection points were set up at Raffles City Shopping Centre and six CapitaLand office buildings from March and September respectively. Ms Chng used a selection of the donated lipsticks to create the artwork, with help from her assistants. The art installation was displayed to the public from 1 November 2017 onwards at Raffles City Level 3 Atrium. The lipstick donation at Raffles City Mall was a fund-raising initiative by Raffles City and Capitaland Hope Foundation for VSA and their beneficiaries.

12 | Welcome to My World VSA EVENTS VSA OUT LOUD makes its debut at SWF 2017

FOR the first time, VSA Singapore had encourage the students’ creativity in a the honour of holding a poetry recital safe environment. at the local premier literary event – Ms Chng Seok Tin, VSA’s visual and the Singapore Writers Festival. On 9 literary artist, also graced the event. She November 2017 at the Arts House, nine presented two of her Chinese poems with of our students read aloud their poems the help of translator Siah Sheng Yuan. to a full house! Their works were on the Afterward, there was a panel discussion theme “Aram” (Tamil for “goodness”) which included Ms Chng, Chong Yao Qing during a four-week workshop (a performer who has ASD), VSA staff conducted by Writing Through, and Magali Finet, Writing Through facilitator which had been designed to foster and Patty Bierley and moderator Aaron Lee.

Youths For Causes (YFC) 2017 AN annual initiative by CITI Foundation and YMCA Singapore, would like to acknowledge and thank the big-hearted young the YFC programme encourages social entrepreneurship people from these YFC teams for raising about $19,000 for and community leadership among Singaporean youths. We VSA and increasing awareness of our cause.

Team Project Lumos CaterPILLAR Felicia Tseng Hui Juan, Reena Koh Cheng Yee, Sarah Lim Si Ting, Cheryl Low Jia Yun (Dunman High School, Junior College Section) An Art Shower was held in which merchandise, which the team members created, were put on sale; they also conducted street sales.

Team Ong Syn, Natasha Tan, Giovanna Nur Syirin Nabilah Bte Yunos, Christine BeyonDisability Wong, Leonard Ong (Methodist Grace Luna Librojo Ganaban, Dai Girls’ School, Raffles Girls’ Aina, Nur Siti Khalishah Bte Rahmat School, Raffles Institution) (Republic Polytechnic) The team roped in sponsors Members of the team initiated an online to print merchandise and donation drive and conducted digital for baking needs, selling the business challenges as part of their products to raise funds for VSA. fundraising activities.

Volume 6 Issue Jan 2018 | 13 VSA EVENTS Woh Hup NOT only is Woh Hup Singapore’s largest private construction group, it is also a long- time and much-cherished supporter of VSA Singapore. On 5 October 2017 at Woh Hup’s annual dinner for subcontractors, it raised $103,440 for VSA through a live auction! In celebration of its 90th anniversary, Woh Hup had purchased five paintings by VSA students Aaron Yap, Noah Tan Kai, Cavan Cheng, Carrichel Lim and Floyd Thien at the VOICES exhibition “We Didn’t Expect That!” held in May 2017. The paintings were then auctioned at the dinner which was attended by some 150 contractors. Thanks to their generosity, the final amount raised was five times the original target of $20,000. The five VOICES students, present with their caregivers for the dinner, went on stage to give a token to the representatives of the contractors. VSA Singapore wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude to Woh Hup executive director, Mr Eugene Yong, as well as staff and all donors for their support.

VSA YEAR-END PARTY 2017

A fun-filled event held annually to show VSA’s appreciation VSA’s year-end party atmosphere was enhanced by VSA’s to parents and teachers, and to celebrate our students’ Percussion Group and the BGSS Dance and Choir groups achievements, this edition was organised jointly by VSA, which provided the musical and visual entertainment. Bedok Green Secondary School (BGSS) and Kampong Chai Two photo booths were on site to allow everyone to Chee CC Youth Executive Committee. immortalise the memories of this happy occasion. For the party, VSA students were paired with their The award ceremony was graced by Mr Lim Yu Kee, counterparts from BGSS, and took part in a variety of Principal of BGSS, and Ms Maureen Goh, VSA Executive activities – which were planned by BGSS students themselves! Director. It was a proud moment for parents and care- These included clay-making, hula-hoop and cone and ping givers as they watched their children receive their pong and cup games. Parents indulged in a more serene certificates on stage. Rounding up the event was the activity, courtesy of a “Meditation and Happiness” workshop giving out of goodie bags and refreshments to all the conducted by Shan You Counselling Centre. happy participants.

Ms Maureen Goh presenting a token of appreciation to Principal of BGSS, Mr Lim Yu Kee

14 | Welcome to My World VSA EVENTS

Re-Opening Of VSA Art Space @ Bedok

THE newly reopened VSA Art Space @ Bedok was not only bedazzling, it was also bigger, better and brighter! On 2 December 2017, the Bedok center was re-launched Guest Of Honour, Mr Lee Yi Shyan, for Reopening Of VSA Art after five months of renovation and refurbishment. Also Space @ Bedok expanded, it now boasts a floor area of 355 square meters (about the size of three 5-room HDB flats). Gracing the occasion were Member of Parliament Mr Lee Yi Shyan, our guest of honour, VSA board members Mr Patrick Tan and Ms Wendy Stimpson, as well as representatives from donors UOB and CapitaLand, Ms Lisar Soh and Ms Lydia Ang respectively. Together with VSA executive director Ms Maureen Goh, they stamped their handprints on the wall inside the entrance of the center and officially declared the center open again. and workshops for persons with disabilities. In the pipeline Our students with disability, their parents, artists with are new classes for more art forms such as ceramics and disability, volunteers and members of the public turned up photography art. in force for the open house, held in conjunction with the re- VSA wishes to thank everyone who made this project opening, from 10am to 6pm. Besides attending the opening possible, in particular, the team from Republic Polytechnic, ceremony, they also took part in the numerous free art who organised the Open House, together with the team workshops, performances and other activities. from VSA. To the many donors, partners, supporters, Visitors could stroll around the center to view the parents and volunteers who chipped in, thank you facilities such as the new ceramic art studio, a dedicated very much for your passion and generous support! We studio for the VOICES (or Budding Artists) programme, especially wish to acknowledge UOB and Capitaland, the the artist studio for professional artists-in-residence Care and Share Fund, and other donors for helping to fund who will mentor students, and a “calm” room for those the renovation and extension of the center. needing privacy to cope with anxiety issues. With the newly For the coming year and beyond, do make a date with us renovated centre, VSA is gearing up to offer more courses at the VSA Art Space @ Bedok!

New VSA Merchandise

Bear & Boy Series Galore! by Muhammad Noh I am a Very Special Pouch by Zoe Tan A new collection of merchandise has just been launched.. Cats Series in time for the giving season! Available for sale are “I am by Muhammad Noh a Very Special Pouch” featuring artwork by Zoe Tan, “I am a Very Special Backpack” with artwork by Amelia Tan, and Muhammad Noh’s illustrated series of folders, tumblers, notebooks, framed art prints and badges. For purchase or enquiries, please go to our website at www.vsa.org.sg/product-category/merchandise or contact I am a Very Special Backpack Junie at 660 4931 or email [email protected]. by Amelia Tan

Volume 6 Issue Jan 2018 | 15 We Need Your Support

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CONTACT US Very Special Arts Singapore Ltd (VSA) WE NEED YOUR FEEDBACK We are always striving to improve our Block 133 Bedok North Avenue 3, Editorial Team newsletter and we welcome your feedback. #01-138, Maureen Goh Kindly share your comments with us at Singapore 460133 Alvan Yap [email protected]. Telephone: 6448 6275 Iris Chin Welcome To My World publication by Very 5 Changi Business Park Central 1 E: [email protected] Special Arts Singapore Ltd is published #03-01, Changi City Point, FB: www.facebook.com/vsa.singapore quarterly. No part of this publication may Singapore 486038 URL: www.vsa.org.sg be reproduced in any form by any means Telephone: 6604 9431 without the permission of the publisher.