Arts activities at the National Library of Singapore, CDNLAO Newsletter 35

No. 35, September 1999

(News from the National Library of Singapore)

ARTS ACTIVITIES
AT THE NAITONAL LIBRARY OF SINGAPORE

When the National Library of Singapore launched its first series of Courtyard programs "Xpressions" in June 1998, one objective was to promote the arts and culture. So far, we have seen book launches, poetry and prose recitals, choral singing, song and dance items, talks & shows on Chinese calligraphy and Chinese tea brewing, and art exhibitions etc. *The Library as an Information, Arts, and Cultural Hub*
This culture and arts series have effectively repositioned the National Library as an information and cultural hub. Gone are the days when the library was thought of as a mere repository of books, playing exclusively an informational role. Yunnan Folk Dancers	Being an information hub, the National Library of Singapore is in the position to encourage its people to appreciate the finer things in life towards promoting a gracious society. It is part of the Board's official mission to promote a gracious society - a mature nation is not one that is economically sound, but one that is culturally refined as well. Besides being a resourceful information provider, the National Library should also establish itself as a platform for social interaction between information providers and library users as this allows for a more exciting mode of information or cultural exchange. Consequently, the IT phobic and especially the illiterate will benefit tremendously from the National Library because of this user or learner friendly information exchange platform. The Courtyard, complete with a cafe and a Renaissance fountain, has since become a popular venue for local artistes (e.g. writers, painters, singers, musicians etc) to share with others their works or knowledge through talks and performances. Through these activities, we hope to cultivate a more cultured, refined, and hence gracious, society.
*First Timers* Participants sampling tea after a tea brewing demonstration at the Courtyard	The other objective of organising Courtyard programs was, of course, to attract non-library users to come to the library. A recent survey on participants of our Courtyard programs showed that about 70% of our 112 informants came to the National Library for the first time, drawn by Courtyard programs. This is a clever way to reach out to people who think they have no reason to visit the National Library. For example, one Chinese opera singing session at the Courtyard last year attracted many senior citizens, several of which even had difficulty walking. At least they have found a reason to visit the National Library. We want the National Library to be an informational and cultural resource for all adults.
*A Platform* Sclupture, created from discarded books, was hung over the National Library's internal stairs. Sculptor is Taiwanese Chen Long-Bin, who was inspired to use discarded books for his raw materials after witnessing piles of print materials laying waste. His message is environment friendness and waste recycle	Some of the highlights this year include an exhibition featuring sculptures created from discarded books, classical Indian dances, Yunnan folk dances, a harmonica orchestra and a guitar ensemble presentation, Chinese calligraphy and tea brewing demonstrations. We were also especially honoured to host a talk by author Allan Pease (who co-wrote the international bestseller "Why men don't listen and women can't read maps" with his wife Barbara Pease). While several of these presenters are accomplished artistes or professionals, many others are amateurs or students. The idea is to provide a free platform for these budding or amateur arts groups to share their works with others, and hence building up their confidence and experience.
*The Courtyard* Scene from Shakespear's "The Taming of the Shrew" at the National Library	The National Library of Singapore, despite its brief 39 years of existence, has made fast progress. What began as a physical repository of print material has progressed into a dynamic informational and educational centre: an information hub with modern IT, an arts and cultural hub to enrich the nation's soul, and a social hub for visitors to contemplate on the finer things in life. Hopefully, in many years to come and long after the National Library building has relinquished its current function (i.e. relocated in a few years' time), the present Courtyard will remain a fond memory for the many patrons of the National Library. By Wong Jock Onn Corporate Communications Executive National Library