Grow young and get acquainted with art again at Singapore Art Museum (SAM)’s freshest addition: the Learning Gallery. Opening on July 20 on level 1 at Gallery 2, this new space welcomes people of all ages to tap into their inner child to encourage authentic encounters with contemporary art.
“SAM’s new Learning Gallery at Tanjong Pagar Distripark is a dedicated space for visitors of all ages to engage deeply and personally with contemporary art through the uninhibited curiosity and openness of a child,” says June Yap, Director of Curatorial and Research at SAM.
You’ll be able to find five artworks at the Learning Gallery by renowned local and regional artists such as Singaporean artist Nguan, Tang Da Wu, Cultural Medallion recipient Han Sai Por, and Indonesian artist Julian Abraham “Togar”. The collection encompasses various mediums that explore themes such as home, nature, and the environment. The five artworks will also be refreshed annually to keep things fresh and reflective of our current times.
Adult visitors will first be greeted by a letter addressed to their inner child outside the gallery, encouraging all to enter with an open mind. After entering the gallery, they are then invited to encounter and experience the artworks in their own way, with the perspective of a child: one that embraces the spirit of curiosity, imaginative playfulness and spontaneity.
The gallery has also been designed to create a calm, low-stress environment by minimising visual and auditory stimuli. Each artwork is complemented by separate sets of wall text tailored for children and adults.
Choose from a diverse range of books curated for all ages, with bean bags available for lounging and reading. Within the gallery, an interactive wall encourages free play and creativity, responding uniquely to each visitor's touch. Near the exit, visitors will encounter a response wall where they can write letters to themselves, expressing their feelings after experiencing the artworks.
In commemoration of the launch of the Learning Gallery, the public is invited to an opening carnival on July 20, from 10am to 4pm. There will be tradItional games, art activities, and free childhood snacks. There will also be a free activity guide to interact with the artworks, and a ‘Stick with SAM’ sticker book with specially designed stickers inspired by the artworks in the Learning Gallery.
In the coming months, visitors can also look forward to special programmes conducted by artists and specialists, so stay tuned by following their Instagram here.
To find out more about SAM’s Learning Gallery, visit their webpage here.
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