Dean of Students' Message
Welcome to SMU Arts Fest 2024 - PLAY!
As we gather once again to celebrate creativity and community, this year's theme of PLAY invites us to explore the transformative power of imagination and resilience.
In today's fast-paced world, balancing academic rigour with opportunities for play is essential. Engaging in playful activities not only enhances students' physical health and emotional well-being but also improves academic performance and fosters meaningful social interactions. Integrating play into university life contributes to a more well-rounded and fulfilling experience for all.
I am thrilled to announce that this year's festival will take place from 30 August to 13 September, featuring 470 students, including 340 SMU undergraduates from 15 SMU Clubs, 30 alumni, and 100 students from other polytechnics, showcasing the diverse creativity within our SMU community. Two of our student clubs will be performing fresh off their triumphant returns from international stages: SMU Samba Masala performed at the SAMBA-Festival in Coburg, Germany which attracted a total attendance of 200,000, and SMU VOIX made their mark at the Chengdu International Sister Cities Youth Music Festival in China.
For the second consecutive year, SMU proudly partners with the Singapore Night Festival, enriching our campus precinct with youth-centric entertainment and vibrant placemaking. Join us as we transform the SMU Campus Green into 'youth party central,' offering an array of engaging activities and performances that celebrate the spirit of PLAY.
Building on last year's successful collaborations with NAFA and LASALLE, we are excited to expand our partnerships this year to include polytechnics from across the island, such as Ngee Ann Polytechnic and Republic Polytechnic. These collaborations highlight our commitment to uniting talents from diverse educational institutions and fostering creativity and innovation in the arts.
Organising and participating in the SMU Arts Fest offers students more than just enjoyment; it's an opportunity to develop essential SMU Graduate Learning Outcomes. This event underscores the vital role CCAs play in the holistic development of SMU undergraduates. Through their involvement, students cultivate leadership, communication, teamwork, and organisational skills. Interacting with peers of diverse personalities and skills fosters valuable self-awareness and understanding of others, enhancing their social and life skills.
As you explore our installations, engage with interactive performances, and immerse yourself in the magic of SCREEN PLAY and other productions, I encourage each of you to embrace the joy and inspiration that PLAY brings. Together, let us celebrate the limitless possibilities of creativity and the resilience of the human spirit.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has dedicated their time and talents to make SMU Arts Fest 2024 a spectacular showcase of creativity, collaboration, and community spirit. I look forward to experiencing the magic of PLAY with each of you!
Warmly,
Paulin Straughan
Dean of Students
