03301

6 August 2001

Press Release from the Ministry of Education

'ART CONNECTS' - ART ELECTIVE PROGRAMME (AEP) EXHIBITION 2001

1.      Sixty-seven works from students on the Art Elective Programme (AEP) will be showcased at the Singapore Art Museum from 4 August 2001. This is the sixth biennial AEP exhibition, which is aimed at showcasing the artistic achievements of our AEP students.

2.      This year's theme, 'Art Connects', conjures up an imagery of art as a bridge for the artist to make connections with the world, not just in making connections with ideas but also with people and the community. This theme is aptly expressed in the collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the Singapore Art Museum in this exhibition.

3.      The works demonstrate our students' experimentation and innovative use of a wide range of media. The works range from drawings, paintings, prints, solar etching and fabric prints to multi-media works, computer animation, sculpture and installations. Works such as "Painting Music", "The March" and "Joy of Life", exemplify our students' investigative attempts to understand the realities around them. They readily connect viewers to thoughts, ideas and issues close to our students' hearts.

4.      The Art Elective Programme (AEP) aims to nurture and develop the creative potential of our academically able and artistically talented students through an in-depth study of art. The Programme was launched in 1984 and is offered in four secondary schools and two junior colleges; namely, CHIJ Secondary School (Toa Payoh), Nanyang Girls' High, The Chinese High School, Victoria School, Nanyang Junior College and National Junior College.

5.      The exhibition opens at the Glass Hall, Singapore Art Museum (SAM) on Tuesday, 7 August 2001 at 5.30 pm. The Guest-of-Honour is Dr Aline Wong, Senior Minister of State (Education).

6.      The exhibition will be open to the public from 4 to 23 August at the Lower and Upper Galleries at the Singapore Art Museum, from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm from Tuesdays to Sundays, and 9.00 am to 9.00 pm on Fridays (Free admission from 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm on Fridays), and closed on Mondays.

7.      In conjunction with the exhibition, a series of fringe activities will be organised for teachers and students on three Saturdays on 4, 11 and 18 August, at different venues in the Singapore Art Museum. These activities will further enrich the experiences of student visitors at the exhibition.