The name Balestier is synonymous with bak kut teh and chicken rice, and come 2015, it will also represent excellence in Southeast Asian art.
Established by Art Stage Singapore and the Embassy of the United States of America, the Joseph Balestier Award for the Freedom of Art will be bestowed upon artists and curators from the region who show commitment to the ideals of freedom and liberty.
Joseph Balestier was the first American consul to Singapore and was also the son-in-law of famed Revolutionary War patriot Paul Revere. Modern day Balestier Road is located on the site of a sugar cane plantation that he owned until 1848.
In a press release, Art Stage founder and director Lorenzo Rudolf described how the award recognises the moral and socio-political roles of art.
“Art is visionary and inspirational, promotes social participation, integration, equal opportunities and personal development for people of all ages and backgrounds. It is the only language that transcends national boundaries and is understood the world over,” he said. “Consequently, it needs freedom. You can only create something truthful if you can act truthfully. Whoever stands up for it, deserves our respect and gratitude.”
The inaugural award – which consists of a trophy, a certificate and a grant of US$5,000 – will be presented on Jan. 20, 2015 by Rudolf and the United States Ambassador to Singapore, Kirk Wagar.
Art Stage Singapore 2015 takes place from Jan. 22 to 25 at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre.
The name Balestier is synonymous with bak kut teh and chicken rice, and come 2015, it will also represent excellence in Southeast Asian art.
Established by Art Stage Singapore and the Embassy of the United States of America, the Joseph Balestier Award for the Freedom of Art will be bestowed upon artists and curators from the region who show commitment to the ideals of freedom and liberty.
Joseph Balestier was the first American consul to Singapore and was also the son-in-law of famed Revolutionary War patriot Paul Revere. Modern day Balestier Road is located on the site of a sugar cane plantation that he owned until 1848.
In a press release, Art Stage founder and director Lorenzo Rudolf described how the award recognises the moral and socio-political roles of art.
“Art is visionary and inspirational, promotes social participation, integration, equal opportunities and personal development for people of all ages and backgrounds. It is the only language that transcends national boundaries and is understood the world over,” he said. “Consequently, it needs freedom. You can only create something truthful if you can act truthfully. Whoever stands up for it, deserves our respect and gratitude.”
The inaugural award – which consists of a trophy, a certificate and a grant of US$5,000 – will be presented on Jan. 20, 2015 by Rudolf and the United States Ambassador to Singapore, Kirk Wagar.
Art Stage Singapore 2015 takes place from Jan. 22 to 25 at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre.