-JAMUS LIM- Like many town fairs held across the island to ce | The Workers’ Party
-JAMUS LIM-
Like many town fairs held across the island to celebrate our nation’s birthday, our #SengkangGRC Colors in the Park had the usual fare of children’s coloring and drawing competitions, as well as musical and dance performances.
But we also wanted to emphasize a few other themes. One important element was collaboration and community. Hence, we also set up six canvases that were open to anyone to dab their own touch of color to the unfinished pieces. Our musical acts comprised of voluntary performances by, among others, Sengkang residents. And the spirit of genuine sharing—unperturbed by monetary exchange—that we encountered at our free flea market, including by a pair of kid brothers who were giving away their preloved toys.
We also believe that inclusion can bring out the best of us. This applies not just to those who are moved to offer their time and talents to help others; it also enables those who have received support from society-at-large to flourish. One resident who participated in the joint painting work was a lady that suffers from dementia, and I saw many siblings assist each other in their artistic endeavors. Art and music can be both expressive and therapeutic, and I’m happy that we were able to tug on those strings during the event, however briefly.
Finally, we wanted to impart such values—of community, diversity, and inclusion—to the next generation. That’s why we were delighted to see hundreds of children, along with their families, come down and set up picnic blankets, as well as little worktables, across the park. That’s why I loved seeing how the artwork included faces of different colors, and depictions of the elderly, troubled, and sick, all being uplifted by others in society. And that’s why it was wonderful to see young and old folks try their hand at parai drumming.
We hope to make Colors an annual event, We are also pondering the possibility of a sister event—which emphasizes the literary arts (a storytelling competition, poetry slam, book fair)—to be held early next year. So for those who are interested in participating in such future editions—whether it be musical, painting, dance, recitations, or other acts—please feel free to reach out to us!
Thanks to all who came down and joined in our festivities, and to our contingent of #TeamSengkang volunteers, who kept the ship afloat. And of course, special thanks to our artist-consultant, Abu Jalal Sarimon, the team at Superbroadcast—especially Indrus and Wanie—for all their help in putting together the artistic program, and to the organizers of Singapore Really Really Free Market (SRRFM), for rallying their vendors.
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