Zeroing in on creativity

IN 1938, the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (Nafa) began as an academy with 14 Fine Arts students.

Today, it has grown to become Singapore’s premier arts institution, renowned for its exemplary curricula, innovative teaching approach, and diverse artistic creations.

It embraces creativity in all its forms, conducting a range of fulltime diploma and degree courses in eight departments: 3D Design, Arts Management & Education, Design & Media, Fine Art, Fashion Studies, Dance, Music and Theatre.

Here, students move from diploma to degree through partnership programmes with reputable universities from the United Kingdom.

The courses are taught by art practitioners with internationally recognised qualifications and a deep-seated passion for imparting lifelong skills in the arts.

Apart from developing important technical know-how at a disciplined and structured pace, Nafa also encourages students to think critically, creatively and independently.

Nafa’s curriculum empowers their students to pursue interests in other disciplines, and is constantly updated to match the needs of the industry.

Nafa thrives on diversity and has a culturally diverse student population from Asia and beyond. Its learning environment reflects Singapore’s multicultural outlook.

With three purpose-built campuses in the arts belt, Nafa is within walking distance to major performing venues, museums and arts groups – giving it a major catalyst for artistic discourse and learning.

Along the way, 12 of Nafa’s alumni were awarded the Cultural Medallion, Singapore’s highest accolade conferred to art practitioners who made a significant impact on arts and culture. Besides that, 13 of Nafa’s alumni have been presented the Young Artist Award, with more going on to make their mark in the professional arts scene.

With a rich heritage and an unwavering dedication to the highest standards of education, Nafa continues to lead the development of arts education here and overseas.

Since 1999, Nafa has received polytechnic-level funding from Singapore’s Ministry of Education.

In 2011, it became the first comprehensive arts education institution in Singapore to be awarded the EduTrust certification from the Council for Private Education.

This certification has been awarded to Nafa for four years.

For more information, look out for Nafa’s advertisement in this StarSpecial.

Furniture designing is one of the programmes offered at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts.

The Nafa building is within walking distance of major performing venues, museums and arts groups.