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The National Arts Council (NAC) and Land Transport Authority (LTA) have embarked on a three-year initiative to infuse the vibrancy of art into public transport spaces and commuting experiences. This transformative venture involves commissioning works from Singaporean artists and arts organisations, aiming to create an art-infused environment that resonates with daily commuters.
The collaboration, launched in conjunction with Singapore Art Week 2024, introduces themed trains and adorned stations to enliven the daily transit experience. Additionally, efforts are underway to bring local artworks to under-utilised spaces beneath viaducts.
Minister Low Yen Ling, from the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Trade and Industry, graced the launch, emphasising the broader vision of transforming Singapore into a city with accessible art spaces for everyone.
“This partnership is part of our vision to make Singapore a distinctive city with accessible art spaces. Aligned with Our SG Arts Plan (2023 – 2027), it brings the arts to commuters on their daily journeys, refreshing their travel experience and fostering a greater appreciation for local talents,” Minister Yen Ling said.
She added by showcasing art in commuter spaces, the nation enhances the vibrancy of these common areas, brightening the daily lives of Singaporeans. Until 28 January 2024, seven train stations and a specially-themed train on the North East Line will showcase selected artworks from Singapore Art Week (SAW).
Among these displays is a unique exhibition that merges traditional calligraphy and batik designs with modern digital technology. Presented through digital screens, this exhibition reimagines ancient art forms on a digital canvas, pushing the boundaries of traditional crafts.
By reimagining ancient art forms on a digital canvas, the boundaries of traditional crafts are pushed, demonstrating the adaptability of heritage in the digital age. This impact extends to the digital economy by showcasing the potential for innovative intersections between traditional art and technology. It also opens avenues for digital artists to explore new mediums, emphasising the role of technology in expanding the possibilities of artistic creation.
In addition, showcasing these digital art forms in public transit spaces enhances accessibility, allowing a broader audience to engage with and appreciate the intersection of tradition and technology. This increased accessibility contributes to the cultural influence of digital art in the public domain, fostering a connection between technology, artistic expression, and everyday life.
As these digital displays become part of the public’s daily commute, they not only enrich the cultural experience but also highlight the potential economic opportunities for digital artists and the creative industry in the digital economy.
Another aspect of this collaboration is an open-call project featuring murals at MRT Stations. Exploring the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the artistic process, the exhibition titled “Acknowledging Intuition (AI)” questions the role of the artist in a world where text-to-image AI creates images independently. This thought-provoking exhibition stems from a generative AI’s creative brief, inviting the public to contribute descriptive texts to enrich the installation’s source material.
The artistic partnership not only transforms mundane commuting spaces into engaging art galleries but also prompts contemplation on the evolving intersection of technology and artistic expression. By integrating art seamlessly into the daily commute, NAC and LTA aim to transcend traditional boundaries, bringing the beauty of creativity to the heart of Singapore’s public spaces.
