PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ART

It's A hitherto-unopened window into the state of the arts - and across
four decades, to boot.

An hour-long Arts Central documentary exploring how five of Singapore's
past Presidents as well as President S R Nathan have helped shaped the
arts landscape will debut today at 10pm on the channel.

Titled Presidential Art, it will feature interviews with their friends and
family members - including prominent industry figures such as Singapore
Art Museum director Kwok Kian Chow and National Arts Council (NAC) chief
executive Lee Suan Hiang.

The "stars" of the show, though, are the Presidents themselves.

For example, Mr Yusof Ishak was an avid photographer and film-maker; Mr
Devan Nair delighted in Shakespearean literature, Mr Wee Kim Wee set up
the NAC in 1991 and Mr Ong Teng Cheong introduced the Cultural Medallion
in 1979.

Mr Benjamin Sheares pushed for the masses to be given easy access to local
art. President Nathan is helping to make Singapore a vibrant arts hub.

Actor Lim Kay Tong is the narrator.

The documentary came about when its executive producer Esan Sivalingam was
researching for the first season of reality/arts series Front in April
last year.

"We talked to about 150 artists and many of them, especially the older
ones, mentioned our Presidents and their contributions to the local arts
community," he said.

The 35-year-old, together with director-producer Bratina Tay, successfully
pitched the $50,000 project to Arts Central in June last year.

Both are co-founders of local production house Hoods Inc Productions.

"The future of our arts scene is dependant on nurturing greater creativity
and requires state-level support," the 32-year-old said.

"Each of our Presidents took steps necessary during their time in office
to enhance Singapore's arts scene because their vision was for a balanced
society, where art and culture were given as much importance as finance
and science."