Category: Press Release

TRCL celebrated the 19^th anniversary of the Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF) on 10^th May with a never-before-seen production entitled T’MAD Museum. T’MAD Museum saw students from the Dance, Music, Art, and Theatre genres battling it out for the coveted ‘Genre of the Year’ title.

T’MAD Museum was an immersive experience, engaging audiences in the creative energy of budding talents. Emotive dance performances from the dance students; soulful renditions by the music students; enrapturing theatrical acts from the theatre students; props and sets built by the visual arts students; audiences were spoilt for choice as they interacted with the students in 10 Square premises in Orchard Central. 

Instead of being merely passive spectators, audiences were invited to immerse themselves in the creativity and innovation of our young performers, experiencing first-hand the magic of their talent and dedication. Ms Santhiya d/o Subramaniam, Deputy Head of Arts & Community Development at TRCL, oversees the arts training of the students. “From the early stages of preparation to the finishing touches before execution, the students dedicated all their efforts to make sure T’MAD Museum is a success. It is gratifying to see the culmination of their growth and efforts recognised by the guests,” remarked Santhiya. 

The esteemed guest-of-honour for the evening was Mr. Tan Puay Kern, BBM, PBM, PPA(P), AMBCI, Vice Chairman, National Crime Prevention Council and member of the TRCL Board of Directors. “As we celebrate the 19th anniversary of BTBAF, we reaffirm our commitment to developing young minds through the fostering of artistic excellence in Singapore. The ‘Genre of the Year’ competition symbolises the spirit of friendly competition and collaboration, driving the students to think out of the box of their craft and inspire one another to discover new horizons,” said Tan. 

Adopted by The Business Times in 2005 and managed by TRCL, BT BAF has reached out to over 23,000 children and youth from underserved backgrounds, empowering them to fulfil their potential and pursue their dreams in the arts and culture sectors. The fund provides structured arts training programmes at two arts training centres managed by TRCL, The Little Arts Academy and 10 Square Youth.

FORMER BENEFICIARIES FROM THE BUSINESS TIMES BUDDING ARTIST FUND COME TOGETHER TO TALK ABOUT GROWING UP IN CHALLENGING HOME ENVIRONMENTS IN NEW VERBATIM THEATRE PRODUCTION.

The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF), managed by TRCL, has witnessed over 22,000 artists passing through its doors for training in Theatre, Dance, Music, and Visual Arts. However, what has become of these artists over time? The answer lies in Souljourn 2.0. Formerly young budding artists, they have now grown up and established a new arts collective known as The r10t Crew (@ther10tcrew).

To mark the inception of The r10t Crew, they will perform a verbatim theatre production titled “I AM _____.” This production engages in discussions about growing up in underserved homes and encourages contemplation of broader societal dynamics and the definition of success in a world often constrained by predefined standards. The production, led and performed by an all-alumni cast and crew, is scheduled to take place at the Goodman Arts Centre Theatre Blackbox from September 29^th to October 1^st, 2023.

In a true verbatim theatre style, former BT BAF alumnus Vishnucharan Naidu, the director and script writer for “I AM___.”, spent several hours interviewing the eight alumni cast members and several community members and leaders to put the script together.  He says, “I’ve long held a fascination for the enduring impact of growing up in challenging environments, whether they be shaped by financial constraints or intricate social dynamics. In recent months, I’ve dedicated my time to conducting interviews within our community and among the cast to create this production. Among the many stories I’ve encountered, what stands out is the remarkable courage displayed by individuals who’ve embraced their unique journeys, defying conventional notions of success. It has been a privilege to co-create this work with a community that is dear to me, and it is not often that we see work directly from the root itself”. 

Vishnucharan Naidu is one of many artists that has walked through the doors of the BT BAF program. He is now an emerging artist working intersections of Theatre, Applied Theatre, and Bharatanatyam. As a former beneficiary of BT BAF, he now dedicates his career to nurturing young artists’ talents, mirroring the support he previously received from BT BAF. His journey underscores the profound impact of initiatives like BT BAF in shaping the potential of artists and future leaders. Echoing the journey that artists like Vishnu have taken, Lynne Kok, Director of Operations for TRCL, mentions, “No amount of words can accurately describe the feeling of seeing the children of yesterday grow into artists they are today. From the day they stepped into TRCL and its schools, The Little Arts Academy and 10 Square Youth, we have seen them navigate adolescence and develop into their adulthood. While not all of the beneficiaries go on to pursue art as a career, we have seen their lives change due to their exposure to art and many of them still pursue art as a passion. To have the alumni of The r10t Crew come together to create a full show to give back to BT BAF is a delightful completion of the circle, and truly a sight to behold.”

While not many pursue careers directly in the performing arts – some have taken careers that support artists instead. One such individual is Guru Simmar. Guru found his calling in Arts Management whilst being a student of theatre in the BT BAF program.  He states, “My journey with TRCL has come full circle, as I was once a beneficiary and now serve as a full-time programme executive. I also wear the hats of executive producer and cast member for this production. It is heartening to collaborate with my friends, with whom I was once classmates with in the BT BAF programme many years ago. Despite all of us holding full-time jobs, we decided to reunite and address a topic close to our hearts: the experience of growing up. It is not often that we find a space to discuss the challenges we faced in our upbringing. Now, as we are much older, we can reflect on our journeys”. 

As these young artists reflect on their journeys, “I AM ____.” serves as an exploration of their challenging upbringings, delving into the complexities of their experiences. Through verbatim theatre, it sheds light on their struggles and the resilience that guided them through adversity, crafting a narrative that echoes their personal stories.

Singapore, July 27, 2023 – The 2023 edition of 13-19 Art Prize is open for registrations, as it continues its mission to recognize and celebrate the creative talents of young artists in Singapore. This annual art competition aims to inspire and empower the next generation of artists, foster a sense of community, and support peers from underserved backgrounds through the arts.

Open to young talents residing in Singapore aged 13 to 19 years old, the 13-19 Art Prize invites artists to unleash their creative potential and express themselves through diverse artistic mediums. By encouraging artistic exploration and promoting individual expression, the competition provides a platform for young talents to push their boundaries and take their artistic journeys to new heights.

Mr. Chong Huai Seng, the Chairman of the Advisory Committee for the 13-19 Art Prize, said, “The 13-19 Art Prize is a testament to the incredible talent and creativity of young artists in Singapore. Through this competition, we aim to provide a platform for these aspiring artists to showcase their skills and express their unique artistic voices. We believe in the power of art to inspire, empower, and unite communities, and the 13-19 Art Prize is a wonderful opportunity for young talents to contribute to a meaningful cause and make their mark in the art world. This year’s 13-19 Art Prize will also expand to cover more categories of art, such as ceramic works and sculptures.”

As a fundraiser, all winning artworks from the 13-19 Art Prize will be exhibited and auctioned, with proceeds going towards The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF). Adopted by The Business Times in 2005, BT BAF has touched the lives of over 22,000 underserved children and youth, enabling them to pursue their dreams and unlock their full potential in the arts. The fund supports structured arts training programmes at two arts training centres managed by TRCL, namely The Little Arts Academy and 10 Square Youth.

The 2023 edition of the 13-19 Art Prize promises to be an exciting opportunity for young artists to showcase their talents and contribute to a meaningful cause. The competition welcomes submissions in the Canvas Artwork category, Digital Artwork category, and expands to cover four more sub-categories: Digital Photography, Photography Prints, 3D Works (Sculpture and Ceramics), and Moving Images. Participants are encouraged to explore their creativity and submit their best works for a chance to win cash prizes and recognition, and have their artworks exhibited and auctioned.

Albert Lam, CEO of Beauté Hub, expressed his support, stating, “At Beauté Hub, we are committed to nurturing creativity and supporting the arts. We are proud to be the Supporting Donor of the 13-19 Art Prize, as it aligns perfectly with our underlying concept of well-being. We believe that art has the power to transform lives, and through this competition, we can make a positive impact on the lives of young artists, especially those from underserved backgrounds. We invite everyone to join us in supporting these talented individuals and their artistic journeys.”

In the previous edition, the 13-19 Art Prize received an overwhelming response with 97 submissions in the Canvas artwork category and 152 in the Digital artwork category, including entries from talented artists across the region. The competition showcased the exceptional skills and artistic visions of the young participants, highlighting the immense creative potential within the younger generation.

The 20 prize-winning artworks from all categories will be exhibited at a later date, allowing art enthusiasts and the general public to experience the depth and talent displayed by these young artists. The artworks will also be available for online auction in Jan 2024, providing art lovers with an opportunity to own a piece of exceptional artistic expression while supporting the cause of the BT BAF. Artwork purchases, after deducting the delivery cost of the canvas artworks and related fees for digital artworks, will be eligible for a 250% tax deduction.

The 2023 edition of the 13-19 Art Prize is open to registrations now, and will welcome submissions from 17^th Nov to 1^st Dec for digital artwork, and 27^th Nov to 3^rd Dec for physical artwork at 10 Square. Young artists are encouraged to stay tuned for the announcement and seize this chance to let their creativity shine. The winners of the competition will be announced in early 2024, celebrating their artistic achievements and contributions.

For more information about the 13-19 Art Prize, registration details, and updates on the competition, please visit https://trcl.sg/13-19-art-prize/ or follow us on @trclsg on Instagram.