 |
  |
| FOREWORD MESSAGE I would like to congratulate the Association of artists of Various Resources, or better known as ‘Angkatan Pelukis Aneka Daya' (APAD) for organising "Cinta" - its first all-women contemporary art exhibition. APAD has a long history. Since 1962, it has been actively promoting the development and appreciation of visual arts especially amongst the Singapore Malay Community as well as in the region. I commend your efforts. Your efforts are in sync with the initiatives of the Remaking of Singapore Committee, as well as the recommendations of the Economic Review Committee that recommends the Creative Industry and a Cultural Capital as an engine of Singapore's economic growth. It has been recognized that arts can not only value add to a person's quality of life, but also gives high value-add to any industry goods and services. Successful companies like Nokia, Swatch, and our own home grown Creative Technology wins not only in terms of innovative products, but also on out-of-the-box artistic designs. Indeed, it is the artistic expressions on these products that distinguishes it from its competitors, and commands a premium on the product. The world now recognizes that while there is virtue in cultivating arts for arts sake and appreciating it in its purest form, arts can also play a vital role in helping individuals and industrialists alike to think and act out-of-the-box, and propel forward. This is in fact the basis of innovation and invention, as witnessed in the Information and Technological revolution that we experience. In this respect APAD's organization of ‘Cinta' is timely. Singapore needs organizations like APAD to continually encourage the development of the arts. Arts allow the creativity of a person to be realized. When individuals in Singapore have the space and opportunities to realize their innate talents, society on a whole will benefit. It will also help bring about a more vibrant cosmopolitan Singapore. I am also pleased to note that this is an exhibition by the eleven women artists who are each distinctive in their own way. In a meritocratic society, gender is not a determinant of one's artistic expression. Their works are reflections of their exposures and the freedom they exercise in forming their thoughts and opinions. Likewise, this exhibition also celebrates the variety and diversity that underlines our unique multi-cultural landscape. It is in the appreciation of this diversity that we find unity. It is through arts and culture, that we may find a common understanding and bond that strengthens the fabric of our society. This exhibition is another milestone in celebrating our unity in diversity. I take this opportunity to congratulate you and wish you every success. Penny Low (Ms) Member of Parliament Pasir Ris – Punggol GRC |
 MS PENNY LOW Member of Parliament, Pasir Ris – Punggol GRC view artwork here >> |
Web
broadcast sponsored by Bob
Associates Design Consultants,
Singapore