Ahead of the new budget year for Singapore, which starts at the beginning of next month, government officials discussed their goals for programming aimed at improving the lives of citizens through everything from healthy practices to artistic engagement.
On the health side, officials agreed that caring about the future and how physical people might or might not be was important. Though no one can control what genetic conditions they might inherit from their parents, everyone can control how active their lifestyles can be. A number of conditions can be prevented through healthy changes, such as increasing the frequency and intensity of exercise. Officials reiterated the three “R” approach to encouraging healthier lifestyles, which includes refraining from eating junk food, reducing the instances of eating junk food, and replacing junk food with healthier options, such as fruits and vegetables. These lifestyle changes are key in avoiding the onset of obesity-related illnesses like heart disease and diabetes.
A healthy body needs a healthy mind, and that is why a discussion of the arts in Singapore occurred at the meeting of government officials. A higher engagement in the arts is one way to improve the quality of life for everyone living in Singapore. Officials announced plans on making art and sports centers more accessible to people with disabilities, meaning that a wider range of citizens will be able to engage with exercises for both the mind and body. This announcement was paired with a previous initiative to introduce arts in a formal manner for young students, ensuring that they grow up with an appreciation for creativity.
One government official pushed for a wider acceptance of art and performances that some might deem controversial. It is only through an investigation and exploration of themes and practices that make us uncomfortable that we might broaden our minds and perspectives in turn. There were several exhibits and performances in Singapore last year that were scaled back, censored, or canceled because of themes many might see as problematic. Art is a way for people to push the boundaries and explore the world both within them and outside of them, and can offer important commentary and revelations for the public who attend such shows. Another official disagreed with this assessment, citing the numerous doors the government has opened for art in Singapore, and the need for exhibits to be presented as age appropriate and within the morality most citizens feel.
Explore the meaning of art in your own life by enrolling in art lessons via SGArtClass.com. A wide variety of classes — from oil painting to pencil art, caricature drawing to fashion design, collage art to digital art, and many more — are available to help pique your creative curiosity. Expert teachers will work around your busy schedule to give you the best instruction possible.
To read more about Singapore’s plans to keep its citizens healthy, happy, and creatively engaged, go to http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health-is-wealth-and-so-are-the-arts.