Promoting Education
Fostering creativity in children
June 2019
The Keppel Centre for Art Education at National Gallery Singapore, which was established in 2015 with a $12 million commitment from Keppel, has been refreshed with new and exciting exhibits that encourage creativity, imagination and self-led exploration among young children. The refreshed spaces were launched in conjunction with the Gallery’s Children’s Biennale 2019.
At the opening of the Children’s Biennale on 25 May 2019, Ms Grace Fu, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, said, “I would like to encourage all families to visit the Biennale, and the Keppel Centre for Art Education. Both serve to connect children with art, which can be the foundation of a creative and caring generation for our future.”
Among the first visitors to the refreshed Keppel Centre were about 30 children from New Life Community Services, who explored the reimagined spaces together with 20 Keppel Volunteers on 3 June 2019. Joined by Chairman of Keppel Corporation, Dr Lee Boon Yang, and CEO of Keppel Corporation, Mr Loh Chin Hua, the children interacted with larger-than-life sculptures at the Project Gallery, created their own virtual sculptures at the Children’s Museum and discovered new textures at the Art Corridor.
First-time volunteer, Sayuri Sim, Manager, Regulation and Risk Management, Keppel Infrastructure, shared, “The children had an awesome time exploring the interactive exhibits. It was a fun learning experience and many of the children said that they could not wait for the next Keppel Volunteers activity!”
Reimagining art education
National Gallery Singapore refreshes about half the spaces in the Keppel Centre every year to ensure that the exhibits remain interesting for repeat visitors. The Project Gallery, Children’s Museum and Art Corridor have recently been refreshed with new exhibits.
Project Gallery
Inspired by Malay proverbs, Singapore sculptor Zainudin Samsuri beckons visitors on board the Dayung Sampan, a Malay phrase which translates into ‘row your boat’. Children can discover a collection of giant objects that resemble a foot and a cage, and learn about scale and proportion through imaginative play.
Children’s Museum
Step inside a sculpture studio and discover different sculpture materials, tools and techniques. Children can also create their own virtual sculpture and ‘exhibit’ it on a virtual wall.
Art Corridor
Explore a wall of textures inspired by the National Gallery’s collection of works, where children can put their hands in covered boxes containing surprise materials and objects.