Patrick Flores, the artistic director for Singapore Biennale 2019, insists that this year’s biennale doesn’t have a theme. The title “Every Step in the Right Direction” is an invitation, an inspiration, he says; not a theme.
“I believe in certain anxieties and they don't have to become themes. Themes tend to capture, instead of release,” he explains.
Journey through the richly storied history of Little India at multidisciplinary arts festival ARTWALK Little India (ARTWALK), which returns over two weekends on 10–11 and 17–18 January 2020. Themed Passage of Time, this sixth edition offers a plethora of interdisciplinary performances, workshops and art murals to engage all of one’s senses.
The new year prompts resolution-making and picking up a new skill is one many are considering. From the recreational to the practical, such as watercolour painting or menswear tailoring, LASALLE offers a range of short courses that enables one to continue learning outside of the classroom without breaking the bank. Two journalists challenge themselves with these newfound experiences and while both found the weeks-long lessons daunting, they each took away important lessons about themselves.
LASALLE was once again awarded the Green Mark Gold Award for its efforts to achieve environmental sustainability in its buildings and facilities. The McNally Campus buildings were assessed by BCA for its environmental impact and performance including cost savings resulting from the efficient use of resources such as energy and water, leading to lower operational and maintenance costs. Other less tangible benefits include enhanced occupant productivity and health due to good environmental quality. The award is valid for a period of three years.
LASALLE was awarded the Green Mark Gold Award for its green initiatives. The McNally Campus buildings and facilities were judged to meet the stringent environmental design and sustainability standards. To attain the Green Mark status, the College was assessed by BCA across five criteria: energy efficiency, water efficiency, sustainable operation and management, indoor environment quality and other green features. The award is valid for a period of three years.
UBS in collaboration with LASALLE College of the Arts (‘LASALLE’) is raising awareness on sustainability with Singapore’s tallest upcycled festive tree. This work of art, made with 6,000 upcycled plastic flowers and standing at 12.8 metres, is certified by the Singapore Book of Records as the nation’s tallest sustainable tree made up of plastic bottles.
LASALLE has once again been awarded the coveted EduTrust Star. The College remains the first and only home-grown Singaporean institution to be awarded the EduTrust Star. This award is a testament and continued affirmation by the SkillsFuture Singapore Agency.
The Singapore Biennale (SB) returns for its sixth edition and visitors to cultural institutions, such as LASALLE College of the Arts and Gillman Barracks, can expect a plethora of artworks that will ignite curiosity and thoughtfulness. The six curators of SB2019 recommended some of their favourite highlights to catch and one of which is The Mamitua Saber Project at LASALLE’s Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) Singapore.
At a cheque presentation ceremony with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Mr Heng Swee Keat as guest of honour, The Ngee Ann Kongsi gifted $50 million to LASALLE for the construction of a new building.
Currently, students of LASALLE have to travel to different venues to attend classes and Chairman of LASALLE, Mr Peter Seah, said this was not ideal. By centralising facilities to the College’s current McNally campus, “it encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration and there is great value in this.”
