What's NDP without the NDP Fun Pack?
As with last year's NDP Fun Pack, this year's continues to showcase the exceptional talents of differently abled artists. In total, there are four designs that have been pieced together from 140 art pieces created by 21 artists with disabilities — who hail from various Social Service Agencies (SSAs) and Special Education Schools — as well as four student volunteers from SG Enable's Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL).
The artworks adorning the NDP Fun Packs encapsulate how the artists feel about Singapore as their home, and serve as a means of expressing the essence of being Singaporean, and a creative way to highlight our shared experiences, aspirations, and hopes for the future. Naturally, the tote bags serve as a conduit for the artists to convey their best wishes for our nation's birthday.
So if you're lucky enough to carry one of these designs on your shoulder, know that they come from a place of heartfelt creativity.
Here, we break down the four designs:
What does the design show? The shape of Singapore! The colourful segments highlight things that shape our Republic – from iconic landmarks and different types of transportation to HDB flats, diverse flora and even the Singapore Armed Forces defending the Republic.
What does this work represent? Unity amid diversity; a celebration of inclusivity and the multicultural fabric of Singaporean society.
“I think the indoor waterfall at Changi Airport and the Merlion are beautiful, so I wanted to represent that in my artwork. I feel very proud and happy to be a Singaporean,” says Sri Ramachandran, who received the 2022 LKY-ESA award in recognition of his perseverance in overcoming his hearing loss to excel in his endeavours.
What does the design show? A patchwork that combines traditional and modern elements that define Singapore, centred around a striking little red dot (geddit?). Integrated into the patchwork are illustrations of the Esplanade, ArtScience Museum, the Rain Vortex at Jewel Changi Airport, and the Supertrees of Gardens by the Bay.
What does this work represent? A visual tribute to Singapore’s unity, resilience, and commitment to preserving our national heritage while embracing progress.
“I drew a bus because it’s my favourite! My daddy is a bus driver, too,” says Ethan, who is passionate about art and enjoys playing badminton weekly.
“I like trains and I am a train enthusiast. I can’t wait to see the fireworks during NDP!” says Muhammad Riza Daniyal, who inspired his teammates to focus the final design around Singapore’s public transportation.
What does the design show? A map of our MRT system. It's not just our trains getting the spotlight, but also our buses, ships, and Changi Airport, representing the extensive transportation network in our bustling city-state.
What does this work represent? It's a celebration of "Connectedness" and the role Singapore plays as a global transportation hub. The four arrows at each corner represent Singapore’s willingness to connect and engage with the world.
"Since I was young, I’ve always only watched the NDP on TV, but this year I am part of it and I was able to create something that everyone is going to get,” says Kay Choong, a big bro who always advises his younger peers to treasure every magical moment and memories shared with loved ones.
What does the design show? The Vanda Miss Joachim, Singapore’s national flower. A heart shaped centre connects the petals, each showcasing something unique about Singapore including our food, our people, and our landmarks. The design is inspired by braille, and pays tribute to inclusivity and accessibility for people with visual impairments.
What does this work represent? It is a testament to the harmonious unity of different cultures and traditions in our nation.
NDP 2023 Fun Packs will be distributed to spectators at the NE Shows, NDP Previews, the NDP on Aug 9, and those with tickets for the Heartland Celebrations on Aug 5 and 6.
Find out more about the artists and the artworks in a digital version of "Book of Stories" here.
ALSO READ: National monuments of Singapore: Esplanade Park Memorials
This article was first published on Wonderwall.sg.
