Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society (SIFAS)

By Balagopal, Roberta written on 2006-12-02
National Library Board Singapore

Comments on article: InfopediaTalk

The Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society (SIFAS) is a non-profit cultural organisation, dedicated to the preservation and transmission of Indian culture through the arts. Its motto is: Kala Samskriti Lakshanam, meaning "art characterises civilisation". SIFAS provides classes in Indian classical dance (including Bharathanatyam, Kathak and Kuchipudi) and music (including Carnatic Vocal, Veena, and Hindustani Vocal and Sitar). In August 2004, the curriculum was expanded to include a School of Visual Arts.

History
The Society was founded in 1949, and in its early years focussed on staging plays by Indian playwrights. SIFAS started with 12 founding members, whose aim was to provide a cultural grounding to complement the colonial education system. The first classes in Bharatanatyam (the South Indian classical dance form) were started in 1951, with part-time tutors from Malaya and an initial enrollment of six students.

In 1964, the society acquired a flat in St Michael's Road, but its tenure there was limited as neighbours complained of the noise. Classes continued in private buildings until the move to Balestier Road in 1982. The Society is currently housed in Starlight Road (in the former Rangoon Road Primary School building), has more than 1000 members and an enrollment of about 900 students.

SIFAS also organizes numerous performances, art exhibitions, talks and conferences. The Society began conferring the Kala Ratna (Jewel of the Arts) award in 1986, to give recognition for significant achievements and contributions to the Indian Arts in Singapore. This is awarded annually, to recipients who have achieved a high level of excellence in their fields. Past recipients have included noted writers, artists and musicians.

Timeline
1949: Society is founded, with 12 members.
1952: First classes begin, in a private home.
1959: SIFAS Academy is inaugurated by Minister of Culture, S. Rajaratnam.
1964: Moved to premises at St Michael's Road.
1982: Moved to premises at Balestier Road.
1986: First Kala Ratna Award is conferred to Dr M Chotta Singh.
17 July 1993: Opening of the Society's new building in Starlight Road, by Minister for Information and the Arts, BG George Yeo.
1999: SIFAS celebrates its 50th Anniversary.

Address
2A Starlight Road
Singapore 217755



Author
Roberta Balagopal

 

References
Srinivasan, R. (1999, September-October). SIFAS 50 years on looking back, forging ahead. Esplanade: The Arts magazine, 12-19.

Acquaint others with Indian culture: BG Yeo. (1993, July 18). The Straits Times, Home, p. 20.

Chatterjee, J. (1993, February 5). More space, more art. The Straits Times, Life!, p. 11.

Sankaran, R. (1991, September 20). A fine endeavour. The Straits Times, Life!, p. 11.

The arts reminds a community of its roots, says Raja. (1988, September 11). The Straits Times, p. 22.

Vaidyanathan, S. (1993, July 17). A cultural temple finds a new home. Straits Times. Life!, pp. 4-5.

Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society. (c2003-2005). The Society: Brief history. Retrieved November 20, 2006, from http://www.sifas.org/brief-history.php
 



The information in this article is valid as at 2006 and correct as far as we can ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. Please contact the Library for further reading materials on the topic.



Subject
Organisations>>Associations
Ethnic Communities
Arts>>Visual Arts
East Indians--Singapore
Performing arts--Singapore
Arts
People and communities>>Social groups and communities



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