Who says the arts aren't important? There was a time that Singapore deployed the arts as a means of nation-building. In fact, the Ministry of Culture organised a series of music concerts from 1971 to 1985 to encourage public appreciation of the arts. Despite being over 30 years, this lesser-known moment in history can still be observed through a contemporary lens with interdisciplinary artist Song-Ming Ang and curator Michelle Ho's internationally-acclaimed exhibition Music for Everyone: Variations on a Theme.
After its celebrated run at the 58th Venice Biennale in 2019, the homecoming exhibition returns to our shores from now until November 8, setting the throwback scene on the basement level of the Exhibition Gallery at the National Museum of Singapore. Unlike its previous showcase, it features nine physical works including three additional ones for visitors to experience for the first time.
Each corner of the kaleidoscopic exhibition explores our relationship with music on a personal and societal level. Get nostalgic with the humble recorder – which was synonymous with music lessons in primary school since the 1970s – and take a deep dive into the universal language of music-making.
Beyond the physical exhibition are digital public programmes that everyone can experience anytime, anywhere. This includes a panel discussion featuring visionaries and past participants of the Venice Biennale like Ho Tzu Nyen and Ute Meta Bauer on October 14, a special performative lecture by Song-Ming Ang on October 31, and online recorder tutorials with instructor Sarah Jeffrey.
The exhibition is currently free, with guided curator and exhibition tours available. For more information, visit go.gov.sg/MusicForEveryone.
