How to systematically develop creativity in Singapore?
February 25, 2008
A friend of mine asked me this question recently. Indeed, creativity is such an abstract theory and term. How can we systematically promote creativity, if we cannot even define what it is?
I took a moment to consider his question. The truth is, there is no quick way to systematically develop creativity. Creativity is not something that can be nurtured- the majority of it must be a natural trait. So how can we systematically develop it?
By starting young. It is no strange concept, after all. Many things often gets into the brain when we start young. Expose the child to a more vibrant environment. By allowing a child to grow in an environment where art is prevalent, where he is allowed to freely express himself without fear, creativity will be nurtured. Graffiti art is a good example. While some may consider it to be a form of vandalising, I find that given the right values and motives, it can considerably brighten up the environment, especially the cold concrete jungle we all live in. Other ways include more public art exhibitions to increase exposure of the arts.
The arts scene in Singapore is almost pathetic. To find any form of arts, one needs to go to the art museum, the many galleries and et cetera. However, the group of people the government are trying to reach out to (children), will not be able to access these places. Exhibitions of local artists in shopping centres around Singapore would most definitely do better. The only way to encourage more creativity among the children- allow them exposure to arts.
Another place to hold such exhibitions is the train stations. The North East Line, for example. While the train stations at the city (Dhoby Ghaut, Outram) will most definitely be crowded, the ones at Boon Keng, Hougang, Seng Kang are not. So why not hold exhibitions so that the commuters, while waiting for the train, will have exposure to the arts?
Yet another way is to include them in the design of the interior in shopping malls. I find that the current trend of using the slightly tinted glass (as seen in Changi train station, Marina Square, Vivocity), while feeling very sophisticated and modern, lacks vibrancy and colour. Would you stop to observe perhaps a drawing on the wall, or a piece of glass?
More colours are needed. If we can plant trees at every road, I think we can afford to add more colours and life to our streets. But no, black roads will do just fine. No coloured roads please!
February 26, 2008 at 12:47 am
How newsy!(:
You sound like a heavily opinioned column writer. But for once, I do agree. Singapore do need art, and lots of creativity. But isn’t this an old topic? Though granted, not much seem to have been done about it.
“To find any form of arts, one needs to go to the art museum, the many galleries and et cetera.”
This one part strikes me as weird though. In small little ways, art can be found in schools. Some schools even have murals. And these days, marketing and certain drawings meant for advertising do come across as art, don’t they?
February 26, 2008 at 1:24 am
Schools do have murals, yes. Yet the main problem lies in the environment- in the primary schools, the children will be more interested in their classmates. In secondary schools… well, both the classmates and the opposite gender?
Most primary school students go to shopping malls with their parents. Pre-school children too. And at such an age, their parents play a far more effective role in encouraging them to look through the pieces, and to be more creative, than the teachers in school can be.
All that said, I must admit I did forget about the schools and their murals and all. My secondary school certainly didn’t bother much with arts and creativity. More with results if you ask me. Thanks for pointing that (murals in the schools) out!
February 27, 2008 at 11:03 am
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