Short Courses

Welcome to the world of gouache painting! With its unique characteristics, learn to create artistic artworks inspired by applying various painting techniques and art styles with multiple themes. Lessons include colour theory, composition techniques and idea development. Note: Course trainers are, on occasion, subject to change with short notice.

Calling all young artists, express your creativity and bring your artistic vision to life. Learn to observe and sketch the urban environment using the humble pen, develop your skills in capturing cityscapes and everyday scenes using no-undo ink.

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 …

In this engaging and hands-on gouache painting course, participants will learn the techniques and skills necessary to create stunning anime backgrounds inspired by the iconic Studio Ghibli films. Throughout the course, students will gain an understanding of the key elements that make Ghibli backgrounds unique and explore various methods of using gouache paint to bring their own imaginative landscapes to life. Note: Course trainers are, on occasion, subject to change with short notice.

This course is designed for individuals aged 18 and above who want to develop confidence, presence, creativity and adaptability in both performance and everyday communication skills. Students will be equipped with essential techniques to express themselves with clarity, authenticity and impact. Through practical exercises and scene work, participants will explore key acting principles, including presence, active listening and verbal and non-verbal communication. Using different methods drawn from Stanislavski, improvisation and voice training, students will learn how to connect with others, think on their feet, and engage an audience or listeners—whether on stage, in a meeting or in everyday conversation. The …

Learn how to design and draw Japanese manga-style magical girls (mahou shoujo) in this course which combines drawing elements like line quality and proportions, with design elements like art style and concept.   With the specific theme of magical girls, the course will also emphasise on ways to create beautiful, creative and feminine characters to tell a story. The teaching method is primarily experiential, with participants gaining hands-on practice of the art form with guidance from the instructor. Note: Course trainers are, on occasion, subject to change with short notice.

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.

In this short course, investigate the history of dance practices within the Indian knowledge systems while understanding the cultural context of Bharatanatyam and its relevance to the Indian diaspora. Elevate your cognitive engagement through practice that supports self-enquiry and critical thinking. The classes will cover the basic Adavu (movement technique) and theory of dance that include components such as the Hasta Bhedas/Viniyogas (hand gestures and their usage), Angalakshana (categories and movement of major and minor limbs), Paada/Mandala Bhedas (feet and leg positions), Thaala system (musical rhythm and form), Abhinaya (introduction to emoting) and Rasanubhava (aesthetic experience). Students will prepare their …

What is the source of impulse and action? Can we listen to what is ready to be spoken? Authentic movement is a technique used in dance movement therapy that offers participants an experiential way of finding movement in the body. Throughout the weeks, this course will focus on building movers’ trust in their body wisdom—where movement pathways become a bridge for self-knowledge, connection and response and possibly, healing.

This photorealistic painting course is for beginners or participants with some painting experiences who want to explore oil medium and technique. The course is suitable for anyone aged 15 and above who is keen and interested in painting and willing to explore this traditional medium and approach. Participants will acquire the basic knowledge of colour theory, principles and elements of arts. They will learn to apply blending techniques to create a photorealism art work at the end of the course.

This landscape painting course is for beginners or participants with some painting experiences who want to explore oil medium and a new subject. The course is suitable for anyone aged 15 and above who is curious or interested in painting and willing to explore this traditional medium and diverse approaches. Participants will acquire the basic knowledge of colour theory, principles and elements of arts. They will learn to apply some painting techniques/methods and materials to create cohesive works at the end of the course. Note: Course trainers are, on occasion, subject to change with short notice.

Fans of children’s literature—learn how to transpose your love of the imaginative world of little ones’ books into actual writing. Children’s literature opens up and taps into a variety of key skills in creative writing, such as visual literacy, characterisation, storytelling, poetry and voice. Note: Course trainers are, on occasion, subject to change with short notice.