Singapore, 26 March 2023 – Residents of Bukit Batok gathered on a Sunday morning to paint the final touches of the 50-meter “Walk, Cycle and Ride with Kindness” mural. At the community event, Senior Minister of State (Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, and Ministry of Transport) Dr Amy Khor, SKM Head of Partnerships, Michelle Tay and SKM Head of Strategic Marketing & Communications, Karun S’Baram, came together to contribute to the creation of a meaningful and impactful piece of public art.
The initiative by the Singapore Kindness Movement (SKM) and the Land Transport Authority (LTA), with support from the Housing & Development Board (HDB) and Community Arts & Culture at Hong Kah North (Hong Kah North CACC) aims to promote greater acts of neighbourliness and kinder modes of transport in a unique and engaging way. Choosing to walk, cycle and take the bus will help contribute to a more sustainable and greener future for everyone.
Mas, a resident in the precinct for 5 years and a volunteer of Hong Kah North CACC shared, “This is a new experience for our community, and it feels nice seeing everyone come together as a team to complete the mural”. Jim, Mas’ son, added, “I feel proud contributing to this mural, and I can’t wait to show it to my friends.”
Ivien Sng, a Grassroot Leader of Hong Kah North CC, shared, “It is not often that we are gathered on a Sunday morning to contribute to something meaningful as a community. I hope more constituencies will do the same as it promotes a higher sense of belonging and pride towards their community.”
Project heARTlands is a mural series by SKM that seeks to bring art and kindness into the heartlands of Singapore. SKM’s aim is to paint the heartlands great, converting public spaces into vibrant works of art that will translate the message of kindness to promote greater acts of neighbourliness. As of today, Project heARTlands has permeated estates such as Nee Soon and Fernvale.
Created by mural artist, Joycelyn (@mslatenightjam), each mural features Singa the kindness lion and scenarios of everyday Singaporeans demonstrating spontaneous acts of kindness around the neighbourhood, while highlighting the unique history and identity found within each constituency. By doing so, it will help gain a sense of pride and ownership among residents, making them feel more connected to their community.
“We wish to thank SMS Amy Khor and LTA as well as PA & HDB, for their support. Art is a great opportunity to highlight the importance of kindness while bringing people together. By transforming our public spaces such as the pathway at Bukit Batok and the overhead bridge in Toa Payoh into colourful vibrant murals, not only do we create a pleasant user experience but also a strong sense of belonging within the community.”, Dr William Wan, General Secretary of SKM commented.
SMS Dr Amy Khor said, “I want to thank SKM for partnering with Hong Kah North CACC to bring project heARTlands to our neighbourhood. The colourful footpath mural is a beautiful piece of art in our heartland, and a good reminder for us to Walk Cycle and Ride with kindness. It also showcases how the community can come together to enliven and own our street scape for a more gracious, liveable and vibrant estate. Let’s contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.”
The 50-meter “Walk, Cycle and Ride with Kindness” mural can be found at the pathway leading up to Le Quest Mall in Bukit Batok.
As an extension of the “Walk, Cycle and Ride with Kindness”, SKM is collaborating with LTA to paint the staircase riser of the pedestrian overhead bridge across Lorong 6 Toa Payoh, a first-ever mural transformation for an overhead bridge. The overhead bridge will feature a vibrant piece of art to inspire residents to step up for greener commutes and kinder modes of transport. The painting is set to be completed in April 2023. Readers can look out for the upcoming mural at the overhead bridge near Blk 236 Toa Payoh Lorong 6.
The full press release and photos from the event can be found here.
Interview opportunities with Dr William Wan are available. Please contact [email protected] if you are interested.