Pioneer Generation artists honoured at tribute event

SINGAPORE — The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) today (Jan 27) paid homage to Singapore’s pioneer artists at the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall.

The Pioneer Generation Tribute event honoured artists, patrons, advocates and volunteers who have contributed to Singapore’s arts, heritage and culture as part of the SG50 celebrations.

Among those honoured were Ms Chng Seok Tin, a visually-impaired sculptor who is also a pioneer in the modern printmaking practice in Singapore, and former Ministry of Health chief pharmacist Tan Shook Fong. Mrs Tan has been a volunteer museum guide under the National Heritage Board (NHB) since 2003.

Along with the tribute event, a heritage gallery was also launched at the theatre.

The gallery features 101 artefacts made up of 57 photos, 37 programme booklets and seven posters that depict the history of the theatre. These artefacts were donated by art groups and schools.

To complement the exhibits, multimedia clips showcasing the monument’s significant events are also screened. Eyewitnesses’ accounts of the Victoria Memorial Hall during and after the war are also featured in the gallery.

Speaking at the tribute event, Culture, Community and Youth Minister Lawrence Wong said: “Thanks to the (efforts of the pioneer artists), our lives have been enriched. Today, we have access to quality arts to express ourselves to appreciate the beauty around us, and ultimately to become better human beings.”

“This is the legacy that (the pioneer artists) have left for all Singaporeans,” he added.