Brushstrokes of generosity: ARTualize connects Singapore art with social good

From the days when Singapore first recognised cultural icons through the Cultural Medallion in the 1970s to the rise of community arts festivals in the 2000s, the nation’s arts journey has always mirrored its social progress. Art is a way to shape identity, spark conversations, and bring communities together.

In the same spirit, ARTualize demonstrates how art galleries can also give back to society. At SG60, the ARTualize gallery launched a special initiative aptly named Together: Art Exhibition in Support of President’s Challenge. The event brought together over 60 local artists in one of the largest gatherings of its kind, with the dual mission of making Singapore art more accessible while raising funds for charity.

A milestone exhibition of scale and ambition

The exhibition, which ran from August 1 to 10, 2025, featured contributions from over 60 local artists across multiple generations and practices. For the first time in the gallery’s history, it featured seal carving as a medium, adding another layer of cultural heritage to the showcase.

The concept is simple yet powerful. Visitors can own original artworks at affordable prices, and half of every sale goes towards social service programmes supported by the President’s Challenge. Building on the success of its inaugural edition in 2024, which raised S$23,000, the 2025 exhibition doubles this ambition: to raise S$60,000, or to see 60 homes filled with Singaporean art, in honour of SG60.

To date, the exhibition has sold 46 artworks, raising a total of S$26,269. These outcomes reflect a growing demand for local art and the public’s willingness to support social causes through creative means. 

Beyond the numbers, the exhibition also represents ARTualize’s growing ambition. Inspired by the strong reception in 2024, the organisation committed to expanding its reach in 2025, ramping up participation and fundraising targets.

Making art accessible while giving back to society

Too often, art is seen as something reserved for collectors with deep pockets. ARTualize challenges this perception by pricing artworks lower than their usual rates, creating opportunities for more Singaporeans to welcome original pieces into their homes.

This approach fosters cultural ownership, as ordinary families can now see their living spaces transformed by a painting, a sculpture, or even a seal carving. At the same time, every purchase is an act of care. With half of the proceeds channelled to the President’s Challenge, buyers know they are directly supporting beneficiaries across Singapore.

“The spirit of the President’s Challenge has always been about uniting Singaporeans to do good. By making art more accessible, ARTualize shows how creativity can also be a force for care and inclusivity,” said a President’s Challenge representative. 

Partnerships that amplify cultural impact

Behind this initiative is a partnership between ARTualize and Tembusu Art Gallery (TAG), which links private galleries with the national giving ecosystem. Their collaboration demonstrates how cultural institutions can be reimagined as platforms for community care and support.

With support from the President’s Challenge, the exhibition became both a showcase of creativity and a collective act of generosity. It aligns with the national ethos of SG60, where arts, heritage, and giving are interwoven expressions of what it means to belong in Singapore.

“We hope Singaporeans can support local art and charity at the same time with this special SG60 exhibition,” said Ms Low Sok Leng, Founder of ARTualize.

Uniting artists, collectors, and communities under one vision

As Singapore marks its 60th year of independence, Together: Art Exhibition in Support of President’s Challenge reminds us that art is a language of identity, memory, and compassion.

Through the collaboration of artists, galleries, and communities, ARTualize has shown how a brushstroke, a canvas, or even a carved seal can become an act of generosity. Each artwork sold adds beauty to a household collection and contributes to the broader community.

By weaving creativity with compassion, the initiative embodies the SG60 spirit, proving that when Singaporeans come together, our shared culture serves as the foundation for a shared future.