Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
The
Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts is a school based in
Singapore. It is dedicated to the
arts.
Mr Huang Suiheng, a Japanese trained artist was on his way back to
China from
France. On the way back, he stopped by
Singapore. During his short stay, Mr Huang noticed Singapore's good geological position and thought of setting up an art school there. In 1937, Mr Huang together with another artist, Mr Lim Hak Tai and a group of art enthusiasts set up the school.
The
Society of Chinese Artists actively supported Mr Lim in establishing the school. At its 12th Council Committee meeting, members of the Society formed a Drafting Committee to assist Mr Lim in his efforts in setting up the fine arts academy. On 10th February 1938, the Committee placed advertisements in the local Chinese daily newspapers "Xin Zhou Ri Bao" and "Nan Yang Ri Bao", which translates into Nanyang sets up a new school, to recruit students in the arts school. The minimum entry qualification was completion of secondary school education. However, those who did not meet the minimum entry qualification will still be considered for admission to the school so long as they have a keen interest in the arts. The Nanyang Fine Arts College commenced lessons on 10th March 1938. Mr Lim Hak Tai was assigned to be the
Principal by the School Management Committee with Mr Kao Fei Tse, Chang Ming Tse and Qiu Yingkui being assigned as teachers. The School was located at Lorong 167 Geylang, a two storey old bungalow just opposite the then "Gay World".
During this period, the school was closed due to
World War TwoIn 1946, the second year after the Japanese surrendered, led by Mr. Lim Hak Tai, and supported by the board of directors of the School - Mr Zeng Qichang and Mr Cai Tingpu, the School re-opened. It was then situated at No. 49 St.Thomas Walk. After the Japanese occupation many Chinese came to Singapore in search of a better life. It was then that the School attracted several famous artists like Cheong Soo Pieng, Chen Wen Hsi, Chen Chong Swee and Liu Kang to teach at the Nanyang Fine Arts College. Students benefited greatly from their teachings.
Over the years, the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, as it is now called, has honed its capabilities and extended its international reach in many ways. Artistic talents who graduated from the school have returned to their alma mater to teach. International art celebrities have also been invited to conduct lectures and arts demonstrations. Even the Singapore Ministry of Education now sends its teachers to NAFA to upgrade their skills in fine art.
In the 1990s NAFA started Singapore's first full-time Contemporary Dance programme that produced Singapore's own locally trained contemporary dance artists. The programme offers an all-rounded dance theory and technique studies including Martha Graham's technique and Dance Improvisation. Some of its ex students have since contributed to the development of Contemporary Dance in Singapore.
In April 1999, NAFA's status was upgraded by the Singapore Government to a tertiary institution. NAFA now receives polytechnic-level funding for all its Diploma programmes from the Ministry of Education.
Since 2004, NAFA has been operating at a Sing$115 million, purpose-built new campus at Bencoolen Street. Three times the size of the old campus, the new campus is strategically located in the heart of Singapore's bustling civic district.
The current President of NAFA is Choo Thiam Siew.
There are ex NAFA students that have become active arts practitioners to the nation:
*
Lim Chin Huat,
ECNAD*
Tan How Choon,
ECNAD*
Goh Boon Teck,
Toy Factory Theatre Ensemble*
Chua Ai Hua, Arts Restoration Artist/Graphic Designer
*
Rusman Rahmat, Jazz Instructor,
ECNAD Associate
*
Official site
