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In collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) students have created 70 culinary-themed artworks that will be displayed along Orchard Road, to engage Singaporeans and activate the city in celebration of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants this June

(L-R): “plATE” by Tan Sai Yong, “Eggalishous” by Klein Aw Sheng Jin, and “Quenelle” by Muhammad Israfil Ridhwan 

4 June 2019 – This June, Orchard Road is set to be adorned with 70 culinary-themed art pieces created by students from Singapore’s pioneer arts institution, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA). It is a partnership initiative by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and NAFA in support of Singapore being the host city of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019, which will be held in Asia for the first time this June.

The artworks on display are anticipated to generate an air of excitement, engage Singaporeans, and welcome the internationally-renowned chefs, F&B industry professionals and visitors who will be in Singapore to partake in this highly-established global restaurant awards platform.

The art pieces, which are on display on glass shards along Orchard to Somerset from now till 27 June, were conceptualised and produced by over 50 second-year NAFA Fine Art students. STB’s decision to partner NAFA for this initiative stems from an aim to fulfil a larger cause as part of STB’s efforts to groom budding local creative talents and provide them a platform for greater public exposure.

To inspire the students to create their art, STB organised visits for them to restaurants in Singapore which were on both The Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants and The World’s 50 Best Restaurants lists. They include Corner House at the Botanic Gardens, Odette at the National Gallery and Jaan at Swissotel the Stamford. At these visits, students were able to interact with chefs, observe them at work and speak to them about their culinary journeys. Thereafter, the students were left to ideate and create pieces inspired by their interactions with the chefs and restaurant visit experiences. The resulting artworks are a mix of eclecticism, surrealism, and photorealism across a series of mediums – from oil on canvas to watercolour and mixed media.

Ms Ranita Sundramoorthy, Director of Retail and Dining, STB, said: “With The World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards coming to Asia and Singapore for the first time in June 2019, we look forward to the global spotlight that will shine on Singapore. This comes on the back of the arrival of the world’s most prominent chefs, industry professionals and visitors, who will be in Singapore to attend the awards’ festivities. These striking art pieces by NAFA’s young talents will add to the spirited atmosphere of Orchard Road as we celebrate The World’s 50 Best Restaurants being in Singapore.”

“As young emerging artists, there is an urgency to engage in contemporary issues, bridging conversation between – in this instance – art, culture, food, and gastronomy. Through this initiative, we hope for audiences to experience art in the city through the stories and imaginations of our emerging artists, shedding light on Singapore’s rich and diverse cultures through art, food, and gastronomy”, said Ms Sabrina Koh, Vice-Dean of NAFA’s Fine Art Programme, School of Art and Design.

STB first announced in October 2018 that it had entered into a multifaceted three-year partnership (2019 – 2021) to anchor a series of five 50 Best events in Singapore. This marked the first time William Reed Business Media (WRBM), owner of the acclaimed 50 Best brand, inked a multi-year agreement with a national tourism organisation which includes the World editions of both its Restaurants and Bars awards. Besides The World’s 50 Best Restaurants taking place this June, Asia’s 50 Best Bars will take place in 2019 and 2020, followed by a standalone special edition of the #50BestTalks thought-leadership event in 2020, and finally The World’s 50 Best Bars awards in Singapore in 2021.

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About the Singapore Tourism Board

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the lead development agency for tourism, one of Singapore’s key economic sectors. Together with industry partners and the community, we shape a dynamic Singapore tourism landscape. We bring the Passion Made Possible brand to life by differentiating Singapore as a vibrant destination that inspires people to share and deepen their passions. More: www.stb.gov.sg or www.visitsingapore.com | Follow us: facebook.com/STBsingapore 

About the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts

Established in 1938, the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) is Singapore’s pioneer arts institution. The Academy offers full-time diploma and degree programmes across three schools: the School of Art and Design comprising 3D Design, Design & Media, Fashion Studies and Fine Art programmes; the School of Music; and the School of Arts Management, Dance and Theatre. Diploma courses are aligned with the degree courses offered in partnership with reputable universities in the United Kingdom. Many of the Academy’s alumni have gone on to make their mark in the professional arts scene in Singapore and abroad – including 13 Cultural Medallion recipients.