Young artists create inspirational ‘Art Walk’ for Sibos 2015 Singapore

Encouraging talent is a wonderful thing. Everybody deserves their chance to shine.

We have partnered with the Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF) to present the Art Walk at Sibos 2015 Singapore.

The Art Walk will showcase 20 original, specially-commissioned pieces across the convention centre, including paintings and sculptures. The artworks have been conceptualised and created by local young artists, aged between 10 and 12 and sponsored by the BT BAF.

Their brief was to take inspiration from key issues that are impacting on the financial services landscape. These hot topics include, amongst others, compliance and regulation, the internationalisation of the RMB and, importantly, financial inclusion.

The BT BAF originated from the belief that no child should be denied the opportunity to pursue arts training due to a lack of financial resources. It is managed by The RICE Company Limited, a non-profit organisation, and its mission is to provide young people with the opportunity to pursue their talent, regardless of their background.

Since 2005, it has reached out to more than 9,000 beneficiaries through a variety of programmes, including art camps, workshops, signature events and fundraising initiatives.

Sharing his thoughts on the partnership with Sibos, Mr Alvin Tay, chairman of the BT BAF, said: "When we decided to make the arts accessible for young people from low-income families, it was not just about providing arts training. We wanted to give them the opportunity to perform or showcase their works because it helps to build their self-confidence and develop their self-worth.”

“It will be a proud moment for the children supported by The Business Times Budding Artists Fund to have their works displayed at the Art Walk. We are grateful to have partners like SWIFT which share the same vision as BT BAF and are committed to making a difference in the lives of these children."

All of the artworks featured will be available to buy, with the proceeds going to BT BAF and its partners. A catalogue containing information about the pieces, and the artists themselves, will be handed out to delegates – who will also be able to learn more through the Sibos App. For further information, please visit the Art at Sibos page on Sibos.com.

SWIFT’s sponsor for the initiative is Blanche Petre, general counsel, who added: “We are working together to help the children involved in this project to be recognised as the gifted artists that they are. Giving back to the local community is very important to both SWIFT and Sibos.”