Singapore art centres report growing interest in children’s courses
In Singapore, parents are increasingly enrolling their children in art courses not only to develop drawing or painting skills, but also to foster creativity, confidence and the ability to express their own ideas. This was reported by Channel NewsAsia, citing local educational centres.
Creativity and technology
Tree Art said that the number of students in its art courses has more than doubled since 2022. The school’s chief financial officer, Teh Chun Sam, linked this to a change in parents’ approach: they are paying attention not only to their children’s academic results, but also to creativity, confidence and the ability to explain their ideas.
Tree Art holds outdoor drawing classes at zoos and museums, as well as art competitions. The company has also incorporated 3D printing and robotics into its curriculum alongside an approach focused on the creative process.
The ARTARY art education centre reported an approximately 30% increase in student numbers over the past three years. Its founder and director, Vanessa Seng, said that some parents view art as a way to develop creative thinking, visual literacy and skills for animation. Some of the centre’s students begin classes at the age of two and a half.
ARTARY offers digital art classes for older children and plans to use artificial intelligence to catalogue works, compile portfolios and prepare artist statements. At the same time, the centre does not plan to encourage children to create artworks directly with AI.
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Preparation for admission
Education providers also report greater interest in programmes preparing students for Direct School Admission, a mechanism for admission to certain secondary schools based on abilities, including in visual arts. Children can begin preparing such applications from the age of nine.
At ARTARY, interest in DSA programmes has risen by nearly 50% over three years. Students are taught to compile portfolios, present their own work and prepare for interviews. According to the centre, around nine out of ten of its candidates secured places at schools. Tree Art reported an approximately 30% increase in the number of students in its DSA track in recent years and a 90% success rate among its students.
Pressure on children
Representatives of both institutions warned that parents’ efforts to secure admission for a child to their chosen school can create pressure on children. Tree Art regional supervisor Niesa Luib said that some children lose interest in art when parents insist on continuing the preparation. ARTARY partner Louis Ong also said that some students become exhausted during such training.
Tree Art stressed that if a DSA application is unsuccessful, children can consider other options, including the Art Elective Programme at secondary schools or applying for DSA at the junior college level.
