“It was pure magic.” – Daniel Foo
Daniel Foo, Senior Manager of Design Management at Changi Airport Group (CAG), reminisces with a twinkle in his eyes. He reflects on the awe-inspiring moment when he witnessed the diverse talents of artists with disabilities, drawing inspiration from the reopening of Terminal 2 (T2) through an experiential learning journey facilitated by CAG.
“Listening to the stories behind their creations made my heart flutter,” Daniel continues, his voice filled with emotion – moved by the emotional depth and personal narratives woven into each artwork, a testament to the transformative power of creativity and inclusivity.
In the words of Zhou Qixiang, Manager of the People Development and Experience Team at CAG, the mission is clear – “We aim to provide platforms for the differently-abled community to build sustainable livelihoods and continue raising awareness of their talents and capabilities.
“We envision a society where youths and persons with disabilities are not constrained by their conditions but have opportunities to lead fruitful and meaningful lives.” His vision reflects a deep-seated belief in the importance of creating an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.”
Working alongside i’mable Collective and community partners such as Artably, JOURNEY by TOUCH, Christian Tan, and Arts@Metta, CAG orchestrated the extraordinary CAG Art Fair 2023, showcasing the remarkable talents of differently-abled artists. Inspired by the natural elements of the renovated T2, the theme “The Artists’ Garden” invited audiences to perceive the airport through the unique perspectives of differently-abled individuals.
In its third year, the CAG Art Fair has evolved from a virtual exhibition during the pandemic to a physical showcase. The event involves special needs artists from Arts@Metta, Changi Foundation’s adopted beneficiary. Each year, a percentage of CAG’s net profit is allocated to Changi Foundation, supporting disadvantaged youths.
The success of the Art Fair in 2023, raising $17,000 through an auction where employees, stakeholders, and partners eagerly bid on their preferred artworks, stands as a testament to the collective endeavor within CAG. Various divisions joined forces to organize immersive airport tours, curate exhibition spaces and design layouts. Volunteers, including dedicated CAG employees and participating organizations, worked closely with artists, providing guidance on color schemes and composition.
The impact of the Art Fair extends beyond financial success. From an educational perspective, it raised awareness among CAG employees about the diverse capabilities of special needs artists. The artists themselves found a platform to showcase their talents, enriching their professional skills and instilling a sense of pride. Moreover, the collaborative spirit fostered partnerships, paving the way for additional collaborations on the commercial front.
Aminur Rasyid, Founder & Director of Artably, expressed gratitude for the collaboration, stating, “There was a genuine sense of anticipation and anxiety about how our co-created merchandise would be received, but the overwhelming love and support we experienced… truly touched our hearts.”
Changi Airport Group’s Art Fair isn’t just an event; it’s a testament to the transformative power of art, collaboration, and the belief that every voice, regardless of ability, deserves to be heard.
“Our intent is to lead by example and show the world that there is and will always be a place for the differently-abled. We can create a future together where every voice takes flight.”
