Community Engagement

Arts for Change: Reaching out and transforming lives

We believe that the arts transforms lives. We’ve witnessed how the arts can help build confidence, heal broken spirits and bring people closer.

As a charity dedicated to serving the community, our outreach efforts allow us to share the joy of the arts with those who might not have the opportunity. Our mission is to bring the arts closer to the lives of different individuals – to entertain, engage, educate and inspire them.

Communities in need are a key area of focus for Esplanade’s community engagement efforts and we hope to bring them transformative and meaningful experiences through the arts.

Every year, we work closely with artists and voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs), to bring such arts experiences to over 10,000 beneficiaries in Singapore. These include seniors, children, youth and those with special needs.

Because we believe that the arts transforms lives in significant ways, Arts for Change is a tagline that we have adopted for all campaigns related to our initiatives for community engagement and donations.

If you’re interested in supporting us, do get in touch with us at engage@esplanade.com.

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Enable even more empowering arts experiences by helping us build our Mural of Dreams

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A priceless experience of normalcy

Mum and caregiver Wei Ping tells us how her son Hong Yang, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), got his first taste of the arts.

Take to the stage at any age

Mr Abdul Wahab first fell in love with singing in his teens. Now in his 70s, he is an avid participant in Esplanade’s community activities.

When dancing with swag gives you the right attitude

Kent Ridge Secondary School teacher Nurhaslinda Binte Rohop tells us how hip hop changed her students.

Community Engagement Activities

1. Hosted visits to Esplanade

We regularly invite beneficiaries to attend both ticketed and non-ticketed performances here.

It was a new experience in a grand concert setting for the elderly, Halimah and me. From the warm reception to the great viewing seats and service in attending to our needs with your patience, the evening was simply perfect. We will remember it for a long time.Mohd Salleh, Administrator, PERTAPIS Senior Citizen Home at An Evening with Sheila Majid & Harvey Malaihollo

2. Offsite performances

For beneficiaries who are limited by health or mobility issues, we bring the arts to them instead, to hospices, hospitals and homes for the elderly.

I think it is great because our patients are usually bored…we don’t get to have performances of quality often. A lot of (our patients) were not well off when they were younger. They never had a chance to be exposed to other cultures, music, singing etc. The chance to experience it here is a perfect opportunity for all of us. Lilynne Seah, Volunteer Coordinator, Yishun Community Hospital

3. Arts Workshops

We bring a variety of arts-based workshops across many art forms to our beneficiaries, from craft such as lantern-making to the performing arts, such as drumming and puppetry.

Watch the video: Indian drumming workshop

Besides gaining exposure to another culture and its musical instruments, our children also learnt to coordinate in rhythm. The most beautiful part was when their music came together harmoniously to make a melodious tune, showing them the power and beauty of teamwork. Chan Soon Jun, Acting Supervisor, Care Corner Students Care Centre (Toa Payoh), Gamelan workshop

4. Flagship Projects

We offer longer-term arts programmes to VWOs who are keen to incorporate a performing arts activity into their regular curriculum.

Songwriting for Hope

This project enables vulnerable youth to express themselves through song. Through a process of co-creation, these youth share their personal stories in a safe space, while learning how to make music. Through artistic expression, we hope they realise the value in their life experiences and feel empowered to turn it into hope for the future.

Just like a butterfly struggling out of its cocoon
I know it will eventually fly into the sky and be free.
– Lyrics by T.L., a participant in Songwriting for Hope 2015

Watch the video: Songwriting for Hope

Footwork for Community – Youth

This project aims to provide youth facing life challenges with a way to express the issues that they are facing, as well as an opportunity for a deeper engagement with dance.

This was an excellent programme for our students, many of whom would not have the opportunity to learn from professional dance instructors. Not only did the kids learn to dance, they also learnt to work as a team – to coordinate steps, to give and take according to different dynamics in a group setting and eventually perform at the Teachers Day concert! They forged new friendships with students they can 'grow' with and lean on for support. This is what I wish for them, that they have fond memories of dancing (and achieving) together and another pillar for support. Linda Lee, School Counsellor, Shuqun Secondary School
Footwork for Community – Seniors

Dance brings many benefits to seniors, enhancing their physical and psychological well-being. From hip hop to Bollywood, we hope that seniors will find this an enjoyable activity to participate in with their friends.

Watch the video: Footwork for Seniors – Hip hop

Sing Out Loud!

Singing can be a great "detox" for body, mind and soul. This project provides participants with an opportunity to express themselves and pursue their passion for singing. Participants pick up vocal techniques and character development through self-discipline, diligence, self-expression and teamwork.

Find out more about Sing Out Loud!

I’m very grateful that you’ve made this workshop graciously available to us seniors. I am touched by your (instructor’s) dedication and patience. You’ve made it so easy for us to learn singing and at the same time, very enjoyable and interesting so that we want more sessions with you.Paul Neelakandan, senior participant, PEACE-Connect Seniors Activity Centre

Esplanade is a not-for-profit arts centre and a registered charity.

Drop us a note at engage@esplanade.com if you'd like to find out more about our Community Engagement activities and how we can work together.