Marshall Cavendish

25 May 2005, Singapore – Is architectural art only appreciated by tertiary students and adults? Perhaps not anymore. Marshall Cavendish is breaking new ground by introducing the appreciation of architectural art to both primary and secondary school students, while simultaneously developing literary talent through their annual WORDS + Art 2005 Programme that culminates with a Creative Writing Competition.

Organised in collaboration with the National Arts Council (NAC) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) this year, WORDS + Art 2005 focuses on the theme " Building Blocks – Inspiration from Architecture" , and aims to engage students to interact with the art in the built environment which they live in. Students from 7 to 16 years old are invited to learn more about the art of six local buildings and to use their interpretation of the art or the form to spin creative stories for the WORDS + Art Creative Writing Competition. The Competition closes on 2 August 2005.

The comprehensive Programme comprises of creative writing workshops, architectural tours to six selected buildings and assembly talks, finally leading to the Creative Writing Competition that culminates with the publishing of the fourth WORDS + Art Book that will showcase the winning entries and ten local buildings. Both winners and schools will receive book vouchers and trophies during the book launch in September. A special Magnolia Literary Supporter Award will be given to the school with the highest number of entries.

The six selected buildings are Thian Hock Keng Temple, St Andrew’s Cathedral, Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) flats at Tiong Bahru, Black and White Bungalows i.e. the NUS Guild House, Wheelock Place and The Esplanade Theatres On the Bay. The buildings were chosen to illustrate the diversity in Singapore’s architectural landscape.

To launch the programme, Marshall Cavendish conducted a preview architecture tour for the past winners. Now into its fourth year, WORDS + Art had attracted a record high number of 2,600 entries from primary and secondary schools last year.

Ms Elsa Tan, General Manager and Publisher of Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) ("MCIA") said, " Most of us grew up with building blocks for development of motor, creative and cognitive skills. That’s the theory that works on the parents. As a child, I was only thrilled by each new form that I could create and the stories that I could weave endlessly around my creation. Now, as the organiser of the WORDS + Art programme we hope to relive some of these childhood experiences but take it from a larger perspective, where we involve the children in the built environment and the surroundings to inspire them to explore, observe, relate, appreciate and finally create their own masterpiece in writing. You will be surprise how much imagination the children have and what can be created out of the 6 selected buildings !"

Enriching the lives of students

Ms Pearl Samuel, Deputy Director of Audience Development at National Arts Council (NAC) commented, " This year, participants will come to understand that art greatly influences the design and structure of a building as well as the environment around it. The National Arts Council is proud to be involved with the WORDS + Art Programme as it is in line with our mis sion to nurture the arts and make it an integral part of the lives of the people of Singapore."

Tsai Tse Sing, Marketing Manager of F & N Foods Pte Ltd remarked, " As one of Singapore’s most trusted & well-loved brands, Magnolia supports the WORDS + Art Programme by encouraging students to understand the importance & relevance of heritage. Magnolia finds it extra meaningful to support this year’s architecture programme as, like Magnolia, these buildings have stood the test of time and will always be a fundamental part of the fabric of Singapore. Innovative programmes like WORDS + Art enable children to find joy in learning and appreciating art and therefore enhancing their learning curve. We are very pleased to be involved in the programme once again for the third year running."

Ang Hwee Swan, Head, Public Relations of URA said, "Through WORDS + Art Programme 2005, we want to open the students' eyes to the beauty, art and rich heritage in many of the buildings in Singapore, to inspire them into a lifelong love for architecture, and in turn to inspire others through their short stories."

Programme Highlights

A calendar of activities is attached as Annex A and these activities serve to enhance the interest and skill of the young writers. Students are encouraged to visit the architectures with their parents and teachers to gain inspiration for their stories. Alternatively, they can also visit the website at http://www.marshallcavendish.com/words+art

The WORDS + Art Camp will be held once again following the overwhelming response when it was first launched last year. Creative writing workshops as well as the " Hip-hop Architecture Tour " – where students will be brought on a professionally guided tour to the locations of the selected architecture – make up the fun and exciting activities scheduled for the camp.

Entry forms and details of the competition are available at the website http://www.marshallcavendish.com/words+art as well as at schools, Times the Bookshop, libraries, community clubs/centres, NAC, Singapore City Gallery at The URA Centre and MCIA’s office (Times Centre, 1 News Industrial Road, Singapore 536196). For further enquiries, please call the WORDS + Art hotline at 6352 6030 or email enquiry@sg.marshallcavendish.com