CHILDREN'S ARTS CENTRE

Abstract

This thesis arises from personal reactions relating to the arts scene and our present formal education which calls for a genuine concern and understanding or the collaboration or the arts and its cultivation towards the young and projects them into the mainstream or our education. ' Cultivating interest among the young in the arts and promoting it through education are generally regarded as key factors in creating an artistically vibrant society1 Mr. Teo Han Wue (National Arts Council's director) This recent concern to the fields of arts have given it a certain sense of prestige and begins to erode the preconceived idea of the arts being just as a fringe subject and subsequently to recognise the importance of guiding the development of the child's imagination and his urge to express his interest and creative ability so as to achieve a total balance in the development process. Therefore, the environment in which the child learns and develops is relatively important. This thesis begins to look into this aspect and how the moulding of the young through the promotion of arts, music, dance and drama can be achieved by cultivating a more interactive environment for personal development The proposed project is primarily an informal learning institution where enjoyment of artworks for the children can be heightened through exposure, discussions and studio experiences that helps to promote inner self learning through both creative learning of arts and stimulation of their senses to arouse their interest, imagination and creativity. The concept of learning through play also creates an environment that is both friendly and stimulating to the young minds. This thesis is, therefore, an attempt to demonstrate the concept of learning of arts for children in Singapore where interactive learning activities for the young can be promoted in a congenial and appropriate setting through sensory experience by touching, by experiencing and by training. This project is located at the heart of the Civic and Cultural District (behind Tao Nan School and Substation) to further enhance the sense of a cultural institution as well as a place for children.