Mae Anderson, chairman of Art Outreach Singapore

 

Marina Bay Sands (MBS) has joined hands with Art Outreach Singapore to raise funds in support of local art education. One of the key elements of the inaugural Sands for Singapore Festival (August 16-18), the integrated resort's The Art of Shopping initiative sees retailers at The Shoppes at MBS and ArtScience Museum put up signature pieces for public bidding during a silent auction from August 12-17.

Singaporean urban artists including Sabotage and KA’a were commissioned to transform these pieces into one-of-a-kind art exhibits for the duration of the auction. Some of the key pieces include a Paris Saint-Germain football jersey autographed by David Beckham, an Eames Shell Chair and Wire Base Low Table by Herman Miller, square bone china vases by Shanghai Tang, and classic suitcases by Rimowa.

Mae Anderson, chairman of Art Outreach Singapore, tells us more about The Art of Shopping and how she manages to blend her two biggest passions in life: shopping and charity.

 

Paris Saint-Germain football jersey autographed by David Beckham

 

Singapore Tatler: Tells us more about Art Outreach Singapore.

Mae Anderson: Art Outreach Singapore is an Institutions of a Public Character charity that seeks to promote critical thinking in children through greater appreciation of art. It was conceived not so much as a means to teach children how to paint or draw, but rather as an avenue to support local art education programmes. 

Throughout the year, we bring in various art pieces and teach children about the history and background behind the artwork. We want them to look at the art and learn how to ask relevant questions. We want to instill in them that understanding the context and message behind a piece of art is as important as the artwork itself.

I attended local schools throughout my education and always felt that the curriculum was limited – focusing on science, mathematics and languages but severely lacking in humanities. Art Outreach Singapore is a way to satiate my passion for art and charity. 

 

6Five Barcode Galliano bag, post-transformation

 

Singapore Tatler: How did The Art of Shopping come about?

Mae Anderson: My two passions in life are shopping and charity. When MBS first approached me to participate in the Sands for Singapore Festival, I was really excited. Knowing that MBS wanted to involve the retailers in their mall, I came up with the idea for The Art of Shopping, where one-of-a-kind pieces donated by retailers and embellished by local urban artists would be put up for public auction.

From August 7, the artworks were exhibited at MBS for the public to place their bids. The Art of Shopping will culminate in a live auction and cocktail party at the ArtScience Museum on August 18, where bidding will kick-off for the items based on the highest amount registered during the silent period. From August 16-18, there will also be a pop-up store selling tote bags and t-shirts designed by local pop artist Justin Lee.

 

Sabotage puts a no-frills edge to the Harley Davidson biker jacket

 

Singapore Tatler: So who are some of the local artists involved in this project? What's in it for them?

Mae Anderson: We have KA’a giving us a modern twist on Shanghai Tang’s handbags, Clogtwo spray painting the Rimowa suitcases and Sabotage enhancing the Harley Davidson biker jacket with an edgier look. Apart from giving these artists more exposure, we are also equipping them with the skills to work with their benefactors, patrons and customers. By setting them up with our retailers, we hope they will learn how to communicate and respond to the commercial viability of the market.

 

KA’a’s modern take on Shanghai Tang's square bone China vases

 

Singapore Tatler: Why did you choose to partner with MBS?

Mae Anderson: We have actually been working with MBS since 2007, and are one of the designated charities for their corporate social responsibility programme. MBS is synonymous with art; art was even incorporated into the design of the building when it was built. We also wanted to have a strong communications channel and reach a wider audience, while education is one of MBS' pillars. The Art of Shopping is a win-win situation for both of us.

 

Rimowa’s classic suitcase undergoes a transformation under the hands of Clogtwo 

 

Singapore Tatler: What can we expect from next year's event?

Mae Anderson: With each passing year, I believe that we will be able to encourage more retailers to get involved in The Art of Shopping. After all, we only came up with the concept for the event about two to three months ago, and we haven't done that badly so far (laughs)!

Many of the artists we commissioned this year are abstract or urban artists. Next year, we hope to involve students from LASALLE College of the Arts, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and School of the Arts in designing the exhibits and merchandise.

 

 

Photos: Art Outreach, Marina Bay Sands