This year's National Day Parade (NDP) celebrations will feature something truly special - beautifully designed tote bags adorned with artworks created by 41 talented artists with disabilities, ranging from age 10 to 73.
Attendees of the parade, preview shows and National Education shows will receive one of seven unique totes showcasing these remarkable creations. The designs fall into two inspiring themes: three artworks titled Care, Contribute and Future were created by 20 students from Special Education (Sped) schools through SG Enable, while four other pieces named Multiculturalism, Resilience, Openness and Boldness were produced by 21 artists from ART:DIS, a non-profit supporting disabled artists.
The artistic contributions have been recognized beyond just the NDP packs - Singapore Post will feature all seven illustrations in a special National Day stamp set.
Sage Tan, a 20-year-old ART:DIS participant with intellectual disability who co-created the Multiculturalism artwork with four peers shared his excitement: "I'm happy to be part of this project," said Tan who experimented with linocut printmaking for the first time to design images of mooncake and mandarin orange. "At NDP many people will receive my bag which makes me very happy... you can see lots of artists' works here."
The project also includes veteran artist Tay Bee Lian who at age 73 contributed Chinese calligraphy for the Openness design featuring "How are you?" in multiple languages including sign language. "I feel honored," said Tay who has physical disability. She added that while she previously admired Sped students participating in NDP pack designs now she gets her own opportunity.
At Monday's media event unveiling these special packs Major Desmond Lim chairman of NDP Pack Committee emphasized their commitment to inclusion saying they expanded partnerships this year to showcase more diverse talents including professionals emerging artists alongside those still training.
"Through collaboration we hope take positive actions disability inclusion work towards building more inclusive Singapore."
Angela Tan Executive Director ART DIS expressed pride their organization first time contributing directly parade packs noting significance having disabled community not just attend but actively shape celebrations Her particularly touched inclusion sign language Openness design hoping reminds society care each other regardless background ability
"We hope work reminds us each society cares others...that people might same race speak language background all part one community."
SG Enable CEO Lee May Gee highlighted sixth consecutive partnership producing meaningful student artworks describing them heartfelt gift nation especially significant during Singapore sixtieth birthday celebration She emphasized importance continuing build inclusive society where everyone valued empowered thrive live dignified lives
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