Our Cultural Medallion Story | Honouring And Celebrating Singapore’s Artistic Talents

Open to the public from 27 November 2021, Our Cultural Medallion Story is a dedicated showcase to honour Singapore’s Cultural Medallion recipients and celebrate their achievements.

Venue: The Arts House
Date: From 27 Nov 2021
Fee: Free Admission

The Cultural Medallion is Singapore’s highest accolade for the arts, and the interactive exhibition will showcase the recipients' accomplishments through physical and digital presentations.

The idea of a showcase was mooted after NAC’s conversations with the Cultural Medallion recipients on what could be done to better support the arts and culture sector. In commemoration of the Council’s 30th anniversary, commissioned by NAC and managed by Arts House Limited (AHL), Our Cultural Medallion Story is a multi-phased and collaborative effort among various agencies, including the National Library Board (NLB), National Gallery Singapore and SPH Media. 

Visitors to Our Cultural Medallion Story will receive a Near Field Communication (NFC) token device to interact with selected sections of the showcase, where they may respond and provide input as they explore the showcase, and learn about the recipients’ outstanding contributions across art practices such as literary, film, visual, performing and multidisciplinary arts. 

Some of the showcase sections include: 

Cultural Medallion Milestones & Award Photographs

This will provide visitors an overview of the Cultural Medallion history and its recipients over 40 years. 

Digital Feature: Cultural Medallion Award Videos 

As part of Our Cultural Medallion Story, audiences can also view a collection of short videos on the Cultural Medallion recipients produced by NAC since 2004 for screening during the annual Cultural Medallion Award ceremony. This series of videos featuring over 40 recipients offers a glimpse into the recipients’ creative journeys and experiences and will be updated each year with videos of new Cultural Medallion recipients. For the first time, also available for public viewing is the display of the Cultural Medallion coin, lapel pin, and certificate.

Library Section

Visitors are invited to step into the creative worlds of the Cultural Medallion recipients through a selection of over 200 publications written by or about the recipients, provided as part of a collaboration with NLB. At the showcase, visitors can browse through these publications on display. If they are interested to read them in greater detail, they can also visit public libraries across Singapore to borrow a copy.

Digital Interactive Station

Visitors can view images of selected artworks by Cultural Medallion artists collected through our National Collection. Visitors can also find out more about all the Cultural Medallion recipients through write-ups and videos published by NAC, as well as selected news reports about the Cultural Medallion Awards from the archive of SPH Media.

Digital Interactive Quiz 

A light-hearted approach to learn through play with a quiz on the recipients. 

Check Out Kiosk & Photo Wall 

Photo Credits: Arts House Limited

At the end of their experience, visitors can scan their NFC token at the Check-Out Kiosk for an ‘Art-inerary’ of Cultural Medallion related activities to explore next; recommendations made are based on visitors’ interactions at the showcase.

For more please visit the Our Cultural Medallion Story website.