Short Courses

This foundational course explores the historical evolution and cultural significance of Chinese calligraphy, tracing its origins from ancient China to its modern influence on artistic expression. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how this revered art form developed through different dynasties, studying iconic calligraphers such as Wang Xizhi and Zhang Xu and their contributions to various script styles. Hands-on sessions will introduce the Four Treasures of the Study—brush, ink, inkstone and rice paper—allowing students to practice fundamental brush techniques and master different script styles, including Seal Script (篆书), Clerical Script (隶书), Regular Script (楷书), Running Script (行 书) and …

This course is suitable for youths aged 16 to 18 to learn and review their fundamental art skills for preparing a portfolio for an interview. Participants will learn to expand and develop ideas using dry and wet mediums and refine charcoal, pen and marker rendering techniques with the chosen themes, composition techniques and art styles. Participants will also learn watercolour and acrylic painting techniques to create drawings and paintings.

Learn a variety of soft pastel drawing techniques that will give you a new appreciation of the medium. You will be guided step-by-step in the drawing techniques of layering and blending vibrant colours to achieve soft and interesting effects. Note: Course trainers are, on occasion, subject to change with short notice.

These drama classes go beyond just performance, and encompass creativity where students are encouraged to explore new ideas for both the stage and real life. Students will apply their creative and critical thinking skills to solve different problems within a dramatic scenario. They will practice using physical and vocal expressions to convey their emotions during performances in front of an audience. This will give students confidence and a sense of identity, valuable in all areas of their lives beyond the stage. Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to work individually, in pairs and in groups, helping them develop …

Why do products look so good in photographs? Learn the techniques and technicalities of studio product photography, from lighting to product placement and composition. Understand the fundamental principles and challenges of product photography and how to use a full range of studio equipment, while exploring how different products respond to different types of light.  

Learn to be more aware of your body in space and how to move with different dynamics in classes that focus on bodily release, organic movement and the connection between your centre and extremities. Classes progress weekly, and will provide you with approaches and techniques that build your core strength, posture, flexibility and musicality. Each session includes time on the floor (to focus on alignment and strength), movement (through travelling steps and jumps) and balance (curving with your body and shifting your weight). You will also tackle handstands and go upside-down. Every class ends with a short choreographed piece. For …

Trace the development of Singapore art from the arrival of Chinese migrants that culminated in the Nanyang art movement to the rise of modern art in the 1960s and 1970s and the emergence of contemporary art in the late 1980s. Organised as a two-part series of lectures with an accompanying field trip, this course will introduce participants to the rich history of Singapore art from the early 20th century to the 1990s. It will highlight notable artists, art movements and artworks that have defined Singapore’s art history. There will also be a field trip to learn more about Singapore’s art …

Join Michelle Elvy in this introductory writing course to build your writing confidence. This basic writing course will explore the ‘how to’ of writing, from building-block structures to meanings between the lines. Explore different writing forms that will help in your own writing, be it fiction, poetry, essay or business materials. Each week, participants will be introduced to a topic with an introductory set of discussion points, writing assignments along with recommended reading and a chance to share your writing drafts. Note: Course trainers are, on occasion, subject to change with short notice.

This course acquaints learners with the artistic language and conventions employed by Italian Renaissance artists, especially in the realm of painting. Learners will discover the context and knowledge required to understand the time-specific allegories, visual puns, signs and symbols of an Italian Renaissance painting, enhancing their intellectual and visual experience of the art. Rather than taking a chronological approach, this course will focus on specific themes and genres to discuss and illustrate the “secret” language used by Renaissance artists such as Botticelli, Fra Angelico, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo and Titian. There will also be a session where claims in …

  From generating visual concepts to illustrating designs on paper, take your jewellery idea to the next level with this course. Learn basic jewellery sketching and drawing techniques using colour pencils and artist gouache to illustrate gold, silver, diamonds and gemstones. The prerequisite for Level II is the completion of the previous level or prior experience. Applicants who wish to join Level II and have prior experience in jewellery illustration are required to submit artworks for the trainer’s review. Note: Course trainers are, on occasion, subject to change with short notice.  

Uncover the fundamentals of writing fiction with an eye on both the short story and the novel. An introductory writing workshop that will explore setting, point-of-view, dialogue, conflict, plot, tone, voice, character and genre. The course will reference contemporary fiction, film, television and other art forms that demonstrate fundamental lessons in narrative while simultaneously emphasising their operation in polished literary fiction. The prerequisite for level II is the completion of the previous level or prior experience.  Applicants who wish to join level II and have prior experience in fiction writing are required to submit writing portfolio for trainer’s review. Applicants …

Explore the great architectural monuments and art of Southeast Asia with a focus on Indonesia and Cambodia. This course will survey the ideas, philosophies, literature and religious beliefs that shaped artistic development and achievement in the region. Learn more about some of the most powerful and culturally rich kingdoms and empires led by local rulers who styled themselves as god-kings (dewa-rajas) following their conversion to Hinduism and/or Buddhism.