Shaping Hearts 2026, an annual inclusive arts event organised by North East Community Development Council (NE CDC), will return this September with a programme celebrating the creativity and talents of artists with disabilities.
This year’s edition introduces a new approach, with artists with disabilities and members of the community taking the lead in co creating the event’s experiences. Centred on the theme “Play”, Shaping Hearts 2026 invites visitors to “Step Into Our World” through creative activities designed for people of all ages and abilities.
Visitors can explore art through touch, movement, sound and sight across interactive installations and experiences. The programme includes hands on activities co created by artists with disabilities, social service agencies, youth groups, community groups and art collectives. The experiences aim to show how play can encourage creativity, connection and participation across different abilities.
The official launch will take place on 13 September at Punggol Digital District. For one day only, the launch will feature 16 curated Playdate pop up experiences developed by artists with disabilities and community members. Visitors can take part in hands on activities and interactive art experiences while exploring different perspectives on creativity and inclusion.
The event will also feature “Many People, One Heart”, a collaborative artwork created during the Kiat Lim Shaping Hearts Awards 2026 and conceptualised by Shining Award recipient Leong Sijun. The artwork will be exhibited as part of the Shaping Hearts roving exhibitions.
Inspired by the themes of inclusion and play, “Many People, One Heart” represents collective support and a shared commitment to empowering and celebrating artists with disabilities.
Following its launch, Shaping Hearts 2026 will travel to three locations across Singapore. It will be held at Punggol Digital District from 12 to 27 September, followed by Tampines Mall from 8 to 13 October and Suntec City from 26 October to 1 November.
Shaping Hearts 2026 runs from 12 September to 1 November 2026, with activities available from 10am to 8pm. Admission is free.
The event is organised by North East Community Development Council.
