Are you looking for a place to explore your passion for art in Singapore? Do you want to learn from the best in the field and get a globally recognized qualification? If yes, then you should definitely check out Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), Singapore’s pioneer arts institution and a leading provider of arts education in the region. In this article, we will give you a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about NAFA, from its programmes, history, admission, fees, facilities, and more. Whether you are a prospective student, a curious visitor, or a proud alumni, you will find something of interest and value in this article. So, let’s get started!
What is NAFA and why should you care?
NAFA is Singapore’s oldest and most prestigious arts institution, founded in 1938 by a group of visionary artists who wanted to promote Chinese culture and art in Southeast Asia. Since then, NAFA has grown to become a leading provider of arts education, offering a wide range of programmes in art, design, music, theatre, dance, and arts management. NAFA has six schools, each with its own faculty, curriculum, and facilities. NAFA also collaborates with reputable universities from the UK, Australia, and China, to offer degree programmes that are accredited and recognized internationally.
NAFA is not only a place to learn, but also a place to create, perform, and showcase your talents. NAFA has a vibrant and diverse arts scene, with regular events, exhibitions, concerts, and festivals that celebrate the achievements and talents of its students, staff, and alumni. NAFA also has a rich and illustrious history, with many notable alumni who have made significant contributions to the arts and culture of Singapore and beyond. Some of them include Cultural Medallion recipients such as Georgette Chen, Liu Kang, Chua Mia Tee, and Ong Kim Seng, as well as contemporary artists such as Ho Tzu Nyen, Amanda Heng, and Tan Swie Hian.
If you are passionate about art and want to pursue a career in the creative industries, NAFA is the place for you. NAFA will provide you with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to excel in your chosen field and achieve your artistic dreams. NAFA will also expose you to different cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and inspire you to create original and innovative works of art that will enrich the society and the world.
What programmes does NAFA offer and how can you apply?
NAFA offers a variety of programmes to suit different levels of interest and aspiration. You can choose from diploma, bachelor, master, and foundation programmes, depending on your academic qualifications and goals. Here are some of the programmes that NAFA offers:
Diploma programmes: These are three-year programmes that provide you with a solid foundation in your chosen discipline, as well as a broad-based education in general studies, languages, and electives. You can choose from over 20 diploma programmes, covering disciplines such as fine art, design, music, theatre, and dance. Some of the popular diploma programmes include Diploma in Fine Art, Diploma in Design (Communication), Diploma in Music, Diploma in Theatre (English Drama), and Diploma in Dance.
Bachelor programmes: These are one-year or two-year programmes that allow you to top up your diploma with a degree from a reputable university. You can choose from over 10 bachelor programmes, offered in collaboration with universities such as Royal College of Music, University of Essex, and University of the Arts London. Some of the popular bachelor programmes include Bachelor of Music (Hons), Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Fine Art, Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Fashion, Bachelor of Arts (Hons) 3D Design, and Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Acting.
Master programmes: These are one-year or two-year programmes that provide you with advanced knowledge and skills in your chosen field, as well as opportunities for research and professional development. You can choose from four master programmes, offered in collaboration with universities such as Goldsmiths, University of London, and Nanyang Technological University. Some of the master programmes include Master of Arts Fine Art, Master of Arts Arts Pedagogy and Practice, Master of Arts Arts and Cultural Leadership, and Master of Music.
Foundation programmes: These are one-year programmes that prepare you for entry into diploma or degree programmes, if you do not meet the minimum academic requirements. You can choose from two foundation programmes, Foundation Programme in Music and Foundation Programme in Art and Design.
What facilities does NAFA have and what can you do there?
NAFA has a modern and spacious campus, located in the cultural and heritage district of Singapore. The campus consists of three blocks, each with its own facilities and features. Here are some of the facilities that NAFA has and what you can do there:
Library: NAFA’s library is a treasure trove of resources for art lovers, with a collection of over 100,000 books, journals, databases, artworks, and instruments. You can browse, borrow, or access the resources online, as well as use the computers, printers, scanners, and photocopiers. You can also attend workshops, talks, and exhibitions, or join the library’s clubs and activities, such as book club, film club, and music club.
Gallery: NAFA’s gallery is a showcase of creativity and innovation, with exhibitions of works by NAFA’s students, staff, alumni, and invited artists. You can admire, appreciate, or purchase the works, as well as participate in guided tours, artist talks, and workshops.
Theatre: NAFA’s theatre is a state-of-the-art venue for performing arts, with a seating capacity of 380 and a fully equipped stage, sound, and lighting system. You can watch, enjoy, or join the performances by NAFA’s students, staff, alumni, and invited artists, ranging from drama, musical, opera, to dance, concert, and recital.
Studios: NAFA’s studios are the places where you can unleash your creativity and hone your skills, with facilities such as drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, photography, animation, fashion, graphic, interior, product, and landscape design studios. You can use the studios for your coursework, projects, or personal exploration, as well as collaborate with your peers, mentors, or industry partners.
Workshops and labs: NAFA’s workshops and labs are the places where you can experiment and innovate, with facilities such as wood, metal, glass, textile, jewellery, and digital fabrication workshops, as well as music, media, and computer labs. You can use the workshops and labs for your research, development, or production, as well as access the latest technologies, tools, and equipment.
How to get to NAFA and what to do nearby?
NAFA is conveniently located in the heart of Singapore, within walking distance from several MRT stations, bus stops, and taxi stands. You can easily get to NAFA by public transport, car, or bike. Here are some of the options:
By MRT:
The nearest MRT stations are Bencoolen (Downtown Line), Bras Basah (Circle Line), Bugis (East-West Line and Downtown Line), and Dhoby Ghaut (North-South Line, North-East Line, and Circle Line). From any of these stations, you can walk to NAFA in about 10 minutes or less.
By bus:
The nearest bus stops are NAFA Campus 1 (04179), NAFA Campus 3 (07571), and Bencoolen Stn Exit B (08069). From any of these bus stops, you can walk to NAFA in about 5 minutes or less. Some of the bus services that stop near NAFA are 7, 14, 16, 36, 64, 65, 77, 106, 111, 124, 128, 131, 139, 147, 162, 166, 174, 175, 190, 851, and 972.
By car:
The nearest car parks are NAFA Campus 1 Car Park, NAFA Campus 3 Car Park, and Waterloo Street Car Park. The parking rates are S$1.20 per half hour from 7 am to 6 pm, and S$0.60 per half hour from 6 pm to 7 am. You can also use the Park and Ride scheme, which allows you to park your car at designated locations and take the MRT or bus to NAFA. Some of the Park and Ride locations near NAFA are Bugis Junction, Plaza Singapura, and Raffles City.
By bike:
The nearest bike parking facilities are NAFA Campus 1 Bike Parking, NAFA Campus 3 Bike Parking, and Bencoolen Street Bike Parking. You can also use the bike-sharing services, such as SG Bike, Anywheel, and Moov, to rent a bike and ride to NAFA. You can find the bike-sharing stations near NAFA on the respective apps or websites.
Other Things to See Nearby
Once you get to NAFA, you will find plenty of things to do and see nearby. NAFA is surrounded by cultural and historical attractions, such as the National Museum of Singapore, the Singapore Art Museum, the National Design Centre, the Peranakan Museum, the Fort Canning Park, and the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple.
You can also enjoy the shopping and dining options, such as Bugis Street, Bugis Junction, Bugis+, Plaza Singapura, and Raffles City. You can also catch a movie, a show, or a concert, at the nearby cinemas, theatres, and concert halls, such as The Cathay, The Capitol Theatre, The Esplanade, and The Victoria Theatre.