The PAssionArts Festival kicked off this past weekend with food, special events, and much fanfare with booths lining an open field near a transit highway. This art fair is special in that it heavily involves community members to help make it a resounding success.
The festival will take place from now through the end of July, setting the stage for a wide variety of different events throughout the weeks it will be open. PassionArts is particularly known for its unique brand of facade art, or installations and murals displayed on portions of buildings. One such artwork was revealed as a part of opening ceremonies for the festival.
Last year, several housing units in Singapore took part in this special celebration, utilizing the skills of both experienced artists and citizens with very little artistic experiences. In the spirit of celebrating Singapore, beautifying their homes, and honoring the arts, volunteers helped influence the different artworks displayed on the facades and even aided in the painting and installation of the works. Themes for these gigantic displays included favorite landmarks around the nation, messages of hope and peace, and memories of neighborhoods and styles of living in the nostalgic past.
This year’s facade masterpieces might feature different themes, but the overall feelings will still remain the same. Singapore’s deputy prime minister, who was an honored guest as a part of the opening ceremonies for PAssionArts, said that he has personally seen many of the ideas for this year’s artworks. While last year might have been Singapore’s 50th birthday, this year is the first year of the country’s next 50 years. Many residents are feeling optimistic about this future, and the artworks reflect that attitude. The deputy prime minister also said that this year will be even more special than the last because many more opportunities for community participation will be made available. Participating in facade art projects brings a sense of pride in neighborhoods and creates camaraderies in between people who might not have ever met otherwise. Not only will people receive a basic education in beginning art skills through the PAssionArts Festival, they might even make friends or discover a hobby that they never knew they would enjoy.
Even if you’ve never had a formal art education or attended any sort of artistic events, art can still be for you. Direct your browser to SGArtClass.com to see the wealth of art classes you can take in the privacy of your own home. Art classes can reveal many things about a person, including a hidden creative streak, an ability to creatively solve problems in ways you might never have considered before, and skills that you might never have known you possess. Expert teachers will take you from the theory of the art genre you choose to take a class in to its actual practice, including specific techniques for completing projects you can help determine.
To learn more about the nationwide event, go to http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/nationwide-community-arts-festival-kicks-off-on-saturday.