As the nation emerges from the difficulties brought upon by the COVID-19 pandemic, art can play a greater role than ever to unite, heal and inspire the public. That is the firm belief of National Gallery Singapore as it extends the positive impact of art to an even broader range of audiences. Having hosted close to 8 million visitors in the last five years through more than 30 exhibitions and numerous interdisciplinary programmes, the Gallery strengthens its commitment to continue bringing communities together and fostering a thoughtful, creative and inclusive society.

National Gallery Singapore will commemorate its fifth anniversary with a diverse range of programmes and initiatives that ensures people from all walks of life are able to access art and its power to heal and provide respite. Regardless of their backgrounds, mother tongues, interests and needs, the public can look forward to fresh initiatives created to provide audiences with innovative, engaging and meaningful experiences with art.

The Gallery’s anniversary programme spans a wide range of initiatives that will make art more accessible and relevant to all, build a sense of community, encourage and uplift spirits, and showcase the best of art in Singapore and Southeast Asia to the region and the world.

Highlights include:

• Art Through Your Eyes: Everyday Singaporeans have been invited to pen their personal interpretations of artworks in the Gallery. From 3 November, approximately 100 works in the museum’s long-term exhibitions and public spaces will feature new additional artwork labels, next to the museum’s labels, that give voice to the lived experiences of people from all walks of life, including seniors, children, people with special needs, artists in Singapore and even the Gallery’s security staff. The fresh perspectives they offer on storied works of art in the museum will encourage visitors to see and experience art and their everyday life anew.
• Words that Count: 5^th Anniversary Edition: Launching on 24 November, this special anniversary edition of the online programme allows anyone to build on the works of local prominent writers, Pooja Nansi and Gwee Li Sui, and turn them into personal expressions of support, comfort and encouragement for healthcare workers and the wider community amidst the pandemic. The public can create and leave their messages of support online at www.galleryturns5.sg or in person at the Gallery’s Level 1 City Hall Foyer.
• Food x Art Podcast: A Story of Food, Art and Singapore. Food-loving audiences  can get to know and appreciate works in the Gallery through a novel experience – a light-hearted podcast series that marries food with art. Hosted by writer Shamini Flint, the podcast will unite people in Singapore with their favourite past-time as she explores the history of art in Singapore through food, local poetry and works in our National Collection. Listeners can tune in to the podcast and view the mentioned artworks at www.galleryturns5.sg from 3 November.
• Extension of Free Gallery Insider Membership: Due to popular demand and as part of the Gallery’s commitment to making art accessible to more audiences, the free membership promotion will be extended until 31 January 2021 – inviting every citizen and PR to be a part of the Gallery. The public can sign up for a free membership (worth up to $120 in value) to enjoy unlimited access to exhibitions and discounts of up to 15% for shopping and dining. Non-Singaporeans and PRs can also enjoy 1-for-1 Gallery Insider membership promotion during this period. Registration details are available at www.galleryturns5.sg.