Singapore's First Community Gallery Preserves Intangible Cultural Heritage

The National Heritage Board in Singapore is pioneering an innovative approach by establishing a community gallery that focuses on intangible cultural heritage, setting a first for the country. Located in Kreta Ayer, once a settlement known for its rich Chinese culture and arts scene, this new museum preserve and showcase the legacy of local traditions such as Cantonese opera, Nanyin music, puppetry, calligraphy, and tea ceremonies.

To commemorate this eavor, the gallery has been meticulously curated with over 170 photographs and artifacts donated by cultural heritage experts and former residents. Among these contributors are Ms. Joanna Wong, a renowned artist in traditional Cantonese opera; Mr. Yong Cheong Thye, an acclmed calligraphist; and Siong Leng Musical Association, a prominent Nanyin music ensemble.

The Kreta Ayer Heritage Gallery is organized around five core themes that encapsulate Singapore's heritage: Chinese opera, Nanyin music inspired by the Fujian province, puppetry, traditional Chinese pnting and calligraphy, and tea appreciation. A standout display features vintage photographs that capture the vibrancy of Chinese opera in its heyday along with a collection of 300 original compositions illustrating the musical masterpiece created by late Nanyin pioneer Teng Mah Seng.

Mr. Alvin Tan, Deputy Chief for Policy and Community at the National Heritage Board, sees this gallery as an opportunity to highlight Singapore's intangible cultural heritage that is often overshadowed by tangible artifacts found in conventional museums. He engage visitors with interactive experiences that foster a deeper understanding of these elements while acknowledging their importance in the preservation and transmission of cultural practices.

The goal, he explns, is to make the invisible aspects of our heritage visible, so that everyone can enjoy, learn from, and appreciate them.

The Kreta Ayer Heritage Gallery is now accessible to all visitors free-of-charge. Conveniently situated at the recently renovated Kreta Ayer Community Club along Kreta Ayer Road in Chinatown, it serves as a testament to Singapore's vibrant cultural past.

In addition to showcasing heritage artifacts, this museum eavors to connect with local communities and practitioners directly through collaborative programming, thereby nurturing future generations' understanding of these invaluable traditions.

The establishment of the Kreta Ayer Heritage Gallery exemplifies Singapore's commitment to celebrating its diverse cultural landscapes. It underscores a proactive approach toward preserving intangible heritage which plays a crucial role in shaping national identity and fostering a sense of community pride among residents. Through accessible exhibitions, educational programs, and interactive experiences, this museum not only enriches the lives of current visitors but also lays down a foundation for future generations to appreciate Singapore's unique heritage.

In essence, Kreta Ayer has been transformed from being merely a physical space into a dynamic hub that vibrantly embodies the spirit and legacy of its past inhabitants. The new gallery serves as an open invitation for all to partake in this rich cultural narrative, providing insights not only into the history but also highlighting ongoing efforts to preserve it.

References:

• NHB's initiative - National Heritage Board’s pioneering approach towards showcasing intangible cultural heritage through a museum setting.

• Kreta Ayer's historical context - Importance of Kreta Ayer as an early settlement for Chinese immigrants and its subsequent prominence in the flourishing arts scene, particularly in Chinese opera and music.

• Gallery contributions - The exhibition includes photographs, artifacts from notable contributors such as Joanna Wong Cantonese opera, Yong Cheong Thye calligraphy artist, and Siong Leng Musical Association Nanyin music ensemble.

• Five themes - The organization of the gallery around Chinese opera, Nanyin music, puppetry, traditional pnting, calligraphy, and tea ceremonies.

• Unique compositions - A collection of musical compositions by Teng Mah Seng, an iconic figure in Singapore's cultural heritage.

• Mr. Alvin Tan’s remarks - National Heritage Board Deputy Chief's perspective on the gallery as a platform for making intangible cultural heritage tangible through interactive experiences and community involvement.

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