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Since
the 1980s, NAFA has groomed countless artistic talents.
Many returned to NAFA as lecturers after furthering
their studies either in Europe or Australia.
Dr Gwee Yee Hean became NAFA's fourth principal in 1989.
The following year, the board of directors decided to
officially rename Nanyang Fine Arts College to Nanyang
Academy of Fine Arts. National Arts Council rented former
Selegie School premises to NAFA as its third campus,
with which to develop multimedia arts programmes.
From 1992 to 1993, Mr Zhuang Sengchou, Chairman of the
Board of Directors, double up as Deputy Principal, assisted
by Mr Wu Tsung Kan as administrative consultant.
In January 1994, Dr Soh Kay Cheng became the fifth principal
of NAFA. Since his appointment, he laid down a number
of development plans for NAFA, which include: (1) Emphasis
on bilingual education; (2) Merger of the fine art and
the graphic design departments; (3) Exposure to Oriental
and Western cultures; (4) Integration of art and society;
(5) Emphasis on theory as well as practice; and (6)
Emphasis on retrospective thinking and foresight.
To provide students with opportunities for further studies,
Dr Soh effected a link-up with Curtin University of
Technology, Western Australia, to set up a six-month
preparatory programme called the Bridging Course which
prepares local students for admission to the course
of MA in fine art or the senior professional diploma
course offered at the university.
In 1996, various departments of NAFA were grouped into
three schools, namely: School of Visual Arts, School
of Performing Arts and International School of Fashion
Studies. In the same year, National Arts Council sponsored
the acquisition of the premises of St. Anthony's Convent
by NAFA, which replaced the San San and Nan Hwa campuses.
On 27th January 1997, Mr Ho Kah Leong, former Senior
Parliamentary Secretary (Ministry of Environment), became
the sixth principal of NAFA and on 1st February, Mr
Lee See Sin became the vice-principal.
Since Mr Ho took office, he has been active in strengthening
ties with art academies in foreign countries. Mr Ho
has also mapped out the mission, objectives and development
plans for NAFA.
| Mission
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develop NAFA into world class full fledged art institution.
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| Objectives
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To
provide professional training to groom our talented
youths so as to enable them to shine in fine art,
music, dance and drama. |
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To
facilitate communication between Eastern and Western
cultures with an emphasis on Eastern culture. |
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To
fuse the cultures of different ethnic groups with
a view to the formation of a unique Singaporean
culture. |
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To
evolve a Nanyang Style of art so as to reflect local
characteristics in art. |
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To
foster scientific spirit and social awareness among
artists. |
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| Plans
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Set
up a permanent home in Bencoolen Street. |
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Closer
links with famous art academies overseas and joint
programmes to offer NAFA graduates opportunities
for further study. |
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Engagement
of famous overseas art scholars as guest lecturers
to teach for a period ranging from three to five
years. |
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Despite the fact that the strength of NAFA lies
in its fine arts and visual arts, equal emphasis
will be given to dance and music, as well as drama. |
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It is hoped that NAFA will be developed into a world-class
all-rounded art academy in 10 years' time. |
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In April 1997, Mr Ho visited major art academies in
China and signed an agreement with the Lu Xun Art Academy.
In July, he visited 4 art academies in Malaysia to strengthen
ties between NAFA and these art institutes.
To further develop Singapore's information and technology,
NAFA set up the multimedia department in January 1997
with help from the National Computer Board. At the same
time, the School of Visual Arts, School of Performing
Arts and School of Fashion Studies was set up.
In celebration of the 59th anniversary of NAFA, Mr Ho
Kah Leong gathered representatives of all departments
to launch the first NAFA arts festival, entitled "NAFA
Festival Arts 97 - Creating New Dimensions" at Suntec
City on 10th May 1997. Mr Peter Chen, Senior Minister
of State for Education and MP for Hong Kah GRC, was
the Guest-of-Honour at the opening ceremony. This Art
Festival which lasted a month was brought to an end
with a series of performances at CHIJMES on 6th June.
This event attracted more than 10,000 visitors.
With the establishment of the Drama Department in August
1997, the School of Performing Arts is able to develop
fully to fulfill their long-term goals.
In September 1997, National Arts Council once again
sponsored NAFA in the acquisition of a building along
Wilkie Road as NAFA's third campus.
In July 1998, NAFA, Curtin Univeristy of Technology,
and University of Western Sydney jointly organised degree
courses on Fine Arts and Graphic Design. NAFA also plans
to set up design courses on Fashion Design, Interior
Design, Music and Multimedia.
In January 1999, NAFA established the School of Junior
Arts. NAFA reorganized its resources to strengthen the
newly formed school. With the establishment of the School
of Junior Arts, NAFA now has 4 Schools. In April 1999,
NAFA is upgraded into a tertiary institution, the academy
will be offering its own degree programmes in five years
time.
Over the past 60 years, NAFA has been viewed as a leading
arts institution in Singapore. The academy has been
a driving force in the development of the visual arts
scene and in nurturing talented artists. NAFA shall
carry on its indomitable spirit and strive to achieve
the status of world-class art institute, with which
to groom top-notched artists talents in Singapore.
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