National Arts Council and Land Transport Authority Collaborate to Infuse Art into Public Commuting Spaces

The National Arts Council (NAC) and Land Transport Authority (LTA) have joined forces to bring art to the heart of Singapore’s public transport system. The three-year collaboration aims to transform land transport spaces and redefine public transport commutes by featuring commissioned works from local artists and arts organizations.

The partnership kicks off with a flourish, coinciding with the launch of the themed train and stations in support of Singapore Art Week 2024. The agencies are not stopping there; they plan to breathe life into under-utilized spaces below viaducts with captivating local artworks. These initiatives signify a commitment to deepening collaborations between NAC, LTA, and other stakeholders to make public transport nodes and commuting experiences more artistically enriched. The collaboration was officially unveiled in the presence of Ms Low Yen Ling, Minister of State, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Trade and Industry.

A Commute with Art

From today until January 28, 2024, seven train stations and a themed train on the North East Line will be transformed with selected artworks from Singapore Art Week (SAW). Conceptualized as an art trail, commuters will be treated to a preview of artworks that will be showcased throughout SAW, using in-carriage activations and vibrant murals embellishing MRT station walls.

One standout piece commuters can anticipate on the North East Line is a themed train titled “My Mother Says,” featuring a tapestry of sayings and words of wisdom. This unique artwork is a result of a collaboration between SAW and PAssionArts, involving approximately 20 Tampines Changkat residents. Through a three-week workshop, participants shared their stories and brought their elders’ wisdom to life in enchanting light installations using creative typography.

Artworks will also be strategically placed in the vicinity of SAW 2024 highlight precincts across seven MRT stations, including Bugis, Bencoolen, Dhoby Ghaut, Little India, Rochor, Paya Lebar, and HarbourFront. Information about various SAW Open Call projects will be presented through wall decals designed by the artists, providing a unique blend of art and storytelling.

Transforming Underutilized Spaces

In the latter half of 2024, the public can anticipate the launch of a large-scale artwork under a selected viaduct, supported by the Public Art Trust initiative. The commissioned artist will collaborate with the community to create an artwork that not only rejuvenates train viaducts but also mirrors the characteristics of the surrounding precinct.

This collaboration builds on the NAC-SMRT Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in August 2023, which aimed to infuse commuting spaces with music, poetry, and busking. NAC and LTA remain committed to exploring additional initiatives to infuse vibrancy into public spaces through the arts.