National Gallery Singapore brings art to void decks island-wide
National Gallery Singapore aims to bring art closer to people's hearts and everyday lives by turning void decks into a gateway to art. The People's Gallery, which rolls out island-wide today, transforms more than 25 such open spaces into galleries for the public to discover 50 surprising artworks by Singapore and Southeast Asian artists, using QR codes and Augmented Reality (AR) technology. This exciting new outreach initiative is part of the Gallery's continued push, as it marks its 5th anniversary, to extend the positive impact of art to an even broader range of audiences through approachable and personal experiences with art beyond the walls of the musem.
Transforming void decks into a gateway to art via AR technology
Void decks are an intrinsic part of everyday Singaporean life. More than 80% of Singaporeans live in public housing, passing through these spaces daily. Leveraging AR technology, the Gallery is able to scale its reach and transform more than 25 Housing Development Boards (HDB) void decks across eight heartland neighbourhoods ̶ Bishan, Toa Payoh, Jurong West, Marine Parade, Serangoon, Pasir Ris, Punggol, and Yishun ̶ into AR art galleries. The use of SafeEntry TraceTogether check-ins has already taught Singaporeans from all walks of lives how easy and convenient it is to use the humble QR code. Each void deck features up to 10 QR codes which will be refreshed with different artworks four times over the three-month run, from 13 September to end-November.
Ms Chong Siak Ching, Chief Executive Officer of National Gallery Singapore, says: “To be a progressive museum for the people, we must continue to create inclusive art experiences to foster a culture of art appreciation among the public. Leveraging technology has allowed us to ‘hang art on walls’ without concerns about climate control and security. We hope that this outreach will allow us to connect more widely with our local communities as we bring art to where they are, to every corner of Singapore.”
Art for all
Works shown in The People’s Gallery aim to offer the public fresh perspectives on modern Singapore and Southeast Asian art. In addition, the Gallery hopes to have audiences’ interests piqued to discover more surprising works at National Gallery Singapore through these unexpected artworks. The works of art pop up in AR, via an interactive microsite, when the public scan the QR codes on the pillars of designated void decks. The works are accompanied by written labels, with several pieces complemented by multi-lingual audio guides and Art in 90 seconds videos – personal stories about the artworks told by people of the Gallery. In the spirit of the Gallery’s 5th anniversary theme of bridging divides and finding common ground through art, the AR microsite experience is available in English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil. Thus, regardless of their backgrounds and mother tongues, everyone can come to appreciate and enjoy the value of art for free. Admission to National Gallery Singapore’s permanent exhibitions is also free for all Singaporeans and PRs.
Works of art shown in The People’s Gallery include a bold, abstract figure-painting titled Reclining Nude (undated) by Singapore artist, art educator and art critic Chia Wai Hon; a striking photograph of Samsui women in Two Workers (1968 reprinted in 2017) by Singapore photographer Tan Lip Seng; and a socio-political commentary painting by Filipino multimedia artist, Jose Tence Ruiz, titled The Pro-rated Wage of the Abang Guard (2011).
The public can respond by sharing their thoughts and interpretations of the works on the microsite and read what others have to say. Those who share their views and offer feedback are eligible to redeem a free, one-year Gallery Insider membership worth up to $120 in value, which includes privileges such as unlimited access to exhibitions and discounts for selected programmes, museum merchandise and the Gallery’s culinary offerings.
Locations of The People's Gallery
| Neighbourhoods | The People's Gallery Locations |
|---|---|
| Toa Payoh | Blk 10 Toa Payoh Lorong 7, Singapore 310010 Blk 130B Toa Payoh Lorong 1, Singapore 311128 Blk 79C Toa Payoh Central, Singapore 313079 |
| Bishan | Blk 197 Bishan St 13, Singapore 570197 Blk 261 Bishan St 22, Singapore 570261 |
| Jurong West | Blk 702 West Coast Road, Singapore 120702 Blk 32 Teban Gardens Road, Signapore 600032 Blk 617 Jurong West Street 65, Singapore 640617 Blk 650A Jurong West Street 61, Singapore 640650 Blk 701 Jurong West Street 71, Singapore 640701 Blk 44 Telok Blangah Drive, Singapore 100044 |
| Marine Parade | Blk 79 Marine Drive, Singapore 440079 Blk 99 Airport Road, Singapore 390099 8 Haig Road, Singapore 430008 |
| Serangoon | Blk 203 Serangoon Central, Singapore 550203 Blk 92 Pipit Road, Singapore 370092 |
| Punggol | Blk 268D Punggol Field, Singapore 824268 Blk 301B Punggol Central, Singapore 822301 Blk 168 Punggol Field, Singapore 820168 |
| Pasir Ris | Blk 627 Pasir Ris Drive 3, Singapore 510627 Blk 547 Pasir Ris St 51, Singapore 510547 Blk 446 Pasir Ris Drive 6, Singapore 510446 |
| Yishun | Blk 257 Yishun Ring Road, Singapore 760257 Blk 413 Yishun Ring Road, Singapore 760413 Blk 204 Yishun Street 21, Singapore 760204 Blk 701 Yishun Avenue 5, Singapore 760701 Blk 841 Yishun Street 81, Singapore 760841 |
For more information on The People’s Gallery, please visit www.thepeoplesgallery.sg.Media assets are accessible via this link. Information on featured artworks in The People’s Gallery is available at Annex A (found in the downloadable PDF version of this release).