Residents' stories come alive!

Caption: Unique turmeric arts structure created by residents at TOUCHpoint@AMK 433

The residents added their personal touches to TOUCHpoint@AMK 433 with their life stories and works of art. Fabric with natural dyes of turmeric were turned into bright yellow framed artworks that took centre stage at the entrance, exuding a sense of boldness and character, and inviting the curiosity of onlookers. Along with the panels that chronicle their life stories, these creations by the residents are part of the Silver Arts Community Arts Residency, an initiative by the National Arts Council in collaboration with TOUCH Community Services, that provide artists with opportunities to engage and co-create with communities, to shape communal spaces, reflect collective stories and complement conversations surrounding Arts & Ageing.

SEED Collective duo, Mr Michael Cheng and Ms Karen Koh, developed “Rempah Arts Journey”, which involved 16 residents in Ang Mo Kio participating in a four-week programme in December 2020 comprising a folk medicine wellness workshop and talk, playback theatre performance and creative arts workshops. Their intention was to promote a more inclusive community through the use of open spaces and creative artworks to draw in neighbours to start conversations about shared experiences.

"We wanted to create a 'Story Space' containing an installation of the residents' artworks and their personal stories. The quality and depth of relationships changes when we share our personal stories. We get to know aspects of one another's lives that we may never have had the chance to know before. We find commonalities that bring people closer. We discover differences, and that helps us to understand and empathise more. These are how deeper social connections are created," said Mr Michael Cheng, an Applied Drama Practitioner and Educator. 

“The Rempah Arts Journey is a good example of how stakeholders, such as residents and the National Arts Council, can add vibrancy to the community through its creative approach in using the arts to foster a stronger community identity. It is also interesting to see how community spaces can play a part in building a more conducive environment for residents to gather and bond,” said Mr Kelvin Lee, Head, Community Enablement from TOUCH.

Working magic through spices
Using herbs and spices, such as turmeric, cinnamon, pandan leaves, curry leaves and lemon grass as conversation starters, the residents explored colours and textures as they curated their artwork. They were also given insights into its medicinal properties and health benefits.

Mdm Hamidah, 73, and Mdm Mariana, 75, who met each other for the first time at the folk medicine wellness workshop, were pleasantly surprised to discover that they have not gotten to know each other earlier despite living in the same neighbourhood for some 30 years!

Caption: Residents enjoying an interactive crafts session.

Caption: Residents experimented with spices, textures and colour.

Bringing resident stories to life!

Caption: Stories told at TOUCHpoint@AMK 433 showed a common heritage and many shared experiences.

A highlight of the programme included the individual sharing of stories told through exhibits and a virtual theatre performance by the artists. The common topics across the stories shared included recurring themes of family relationships, grief and loss, new beginnings, and sharing meals with neighbours.

"We were moved to see residents willing to share their personal stories with complete strangers. There is so much value in taking time to listen to someone else's story. Despite our differences, we have more in common than we think. And the art pieces are amazing to me. The installation reflects diverse personalities and expressions, with each individual piece painstakingly unique. And they all come together in a beautiful and aesthetic web, as a metaphor for the precious intangible connections among the residents,” added Michael.

One community
Rempah Arts Journey culminated in an exhibition and tour for the participants, their friends and families, as well as a sharing session by SEED Collective to National Arts Council representatives and stakeholders of Ang Mo Kio in March 2021. The event was also attended by Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin, Grassroots Advisor for Cheng San-Seletar, grassroots leaders and the People’s Association.

About the Silver Arts Community Arts Residency
The Silver Arts Community Arts Residency at TOUCHpoint@AMK 433 is an initiative by the National Arts Council in collaboration with TOUCH Community Services. It aims to provide artists with opportunities to engage and co-create with communities, to shape communal spaces, reflect collective stories and complement conversations surrounding Arts & Ageing.