Art Unseen: Olivia’s Visionary Project Celebrating the Visually Impaired

Art Unseen; a project by Year 10 student, Olivia 

Art Unseen was a heartfelt initiative spearheaded by Olivia, a Year 10 student. Inspired by her own struggles with a vision disorder as a young child, Olivia wanted to highlight the challenges and talents of the visually impaired community. Olivia brought this vision to life with the support of a S$1,000 grant she received during her participation in the 2023 Call to Action Impact Awards, backed by the Dulwich College Murugason Sustainability Fund (DCMF) and LGT Private Banking.   

The project commenced with an opening ceremony on 6 March 2024 at The Greenhouse Auditorium attended by parents, teachers and fellow Senior School peers, with guest of honour, Victor Tan, a renowned visually impaired wire sculptor whose work has been displayed at the National Gallery of Singapore. Tan shared insightful perspectives on art, emphasising the importance of inclusivity, and resonated deeply with the school community.   

The ceremony concluded with a special exhibition which showcased 15 artworks provided by the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH) at the Senior School Reception. These pieces, varying in size and style, told powerful stories of resilience and creativity from a unique perspective. They offered viewers a unique glimpse into the world of the visually impaired, inspiring a deeper appreciation for their talents. An auction for the works of art was held where attendees could bid on works of art by local visually impaired artists, with proceeds supporting SAVH, raising over $2,985 for the charity!

The exhibition was up on display for two weeks, successfully engaging the Dulwich community, encouraging students, teachers, and parents to appreciate and celebrate the talents of the visually impaired, while fostering a deeper sense of empathy and inclusivity.