6 quotes from thought leaders to get you thinking about the arts scene in Singapore

Ong Keng Sen

Director, Singapore International Festival of Arts

“What’s lacking in this country is trust – the bureaucrats don’t believe in the artists and vice versa. And that impacts the art-making because the projects become fraught with misunderstandings.”

24 August 2017. The envelope-pushing festival director comments on the pitfalls of government-organised art festivals.

Iskandar Jalil

Ceramacist

“A hundred cups a day. For one week, two weeks, four weeks. I had to make these cups, till the day the sensei finally placed his stamp on one.”

19 November 2016. On the beginning of his journey as a ceramicist.

Read the full interview here.

Colin Okashimo

Sculptor and Landscape Architect, Colin K. Okashimo and Associates President’s Design Award Designer of the Year 2015

“I detest the wow factor.”

6 June 2016. On his alternative design ethos.

Read the full interview here.

Tan Swie Hian

Artist

“The extra fishball in my noodles is my chevalier.”

3 July 2015. Singapore’s most expensive living artist on treasuring every accolade he receives.

Read the full interview here.

Chong Siak Ching

CEO, Ascendas

“I do not come with an art- history background or a fine-arts degree, so, if anyone was expecting such a person, my appointment would have been a surprise.”

1 February 2014. The former CEO of National Art Gallery commenting on the unexpected appointment. During her tenure, National Gallery won the Breakthrough Contribution to Tourism and Best Attraction Experience accolades at the Singapore Tourism Awards 2016.

Read the full interview here.

Siew Huey Ko

Co-founder and Director, ArtsWok Collaborative

“We forget that diversity helps us have a richer understanding of the world. The sooner we get comfortable with differences, the better we will be as a people to face our challenges.”

3 November 2016. On bridging differences.

Read the full interview here.