REACHING BEYOND YOUNG LIVES

What better way is there to create an entrepreneurial fund raising venture from artistically inclined students than to print these “Gold with Honours” artworks on limited edition bags? This refreshing initiative was conceived by “Walking Art”, a team of four teachers from various secondary schools, who were the organizing committee members for this year’s Singapore Youth Festival Arts & Craft Exhibition, as well as participants of the Citibank-YMCA Youth for Causes Programme.

“In light of the theme for this year’s Singapore Youth Festival (SYF), “Reaching Beyond”, we felt that it was a moving and inspiring theme that would exhort youths to prove that they are capable beyond academic excellence” shared team leader, Grace Tan. “Moreover, we believe that members of the public are fully aware that the SYF has always been a showcase of Singaporean students top arts talents. Alongside SYF’s 40th anniversary celebrations, we believe that our bags are unique memorabilia of this anniversary and hopefully the public will be more supportive and appreciative of the art and crafts scene in Singapore in the years ahead!”

For Grace and her team members, their efforts of “reaching beyond” societies boundaries have led them to adopt the Straits Times School Pocket Money fund as their chosen Voluntary Welfare Organization as a participant team for this year’s Citibank-YMCA Youth for Causes. “Indeed, we want to look beyond creating an impact on the arts scene and we hope that the funds raised can provide young impoverished Singaporean students the opportunity to receive basic academic education and build their own talents in life” quipped fellow team mate, Ow Hui Keng.

On 19th July, Dr Balaji Sadasivan, Senior Minister of State (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Information, Communication and the Arts), graced the SYF awards ceremony at Harbour Front mall. Much to the team’s excitement, he visited their booth to make a hearty donation as he bought a bag of each design on display!

“Walking Art” aims to raise more than $6,000 for their beneficiary and will be selling their uniquely designed bags at $10 each at HarbourFront on 22 and 23 July 2006. Do visit the SYF Art and Crafts Exhibition and drop by their booth to show support for this “artistic outreach” and allow our less fortunate youths to look forward to a bright future which they will be molding on their own!