Five questions with Anne Neo: Breathing colour into Potong Pasir with Art & Community Spirit!

“The magic of art is in its power to transform and brighten the lives of the community.”

Before the touch of Anne Neo’s paintbrushes, the Plaza along the park connector at ABC Waters at Potong Pasir was just a regular Singaporean space along the Kallang River. The area served as a simple communal sport for residents–to rest, exercise or simply gather. In early October 2023, the once plain wooden benches and panels were transformed into The Lively Benches, a colourful focal point for the neighbourhood.

Anne, a pharmacist and artist, painted this project in collaboration with residents and volunteers as a project supported by the Lively Places Fund. While new to the Lively Places Fund, Anne is no stranger to community engagement. Her previous projects include murals at Resident Committees, libraries, nursing homes and social service agencies like Care Corner Singapore. Committed to spreading the ‘kampung spirit’ - Anne also initiated ‘The Giving Collective’ in 2019, a project which redistributes leftover food like bread, buns and pastries to the community. 

So what was it like combining her love for community and art together? Anne Neo tells us more.

1. What inspired the concept for your project under the Lively Places Fund/Programme, and how did you develop the idea?

I’m a pharmacist at a public hospital and a self-taught artist. In my free time, I love creating vibrant murals. The Urban Redevelopment Authority and Potong Pasir Resident Committee wanted to revitalise a public connector that serves as a popular resting spot for people of all ages. This practical aspect, combined with the desire to create a cheerful atmosphere, inspired the project!

2. Could you walk us through your creative process from conceptualisation to execution, and what were some challenges you encountered along the way?

After coming up with designs that would reflect the community’s vibrant spirit, I worked with the community members to bring them to life. I created the initial sketches, and selected the colours and patterns. The painting process was a collaborative effort–after priming the benches, I outlined the shapes and the members of the community would fill them in. It was a rewarding experience working together!

Image credit: Anne Neo

3. How did you collaborate with the community to bring your project to life, and any memorable anecdotes? 

There were 33 benches and large panels to transform. I aimed for each bench to reflect the community's spirit, leading to unique designs like a painted piano for an interactive touch. An elderly couple participated in almost every painting session (and the launch!), and even shared their experience with passersby. It was very heartening to receive such support.

Image credit: Anne Neo

4. How do you envision your artwork contributing to the vibrancy and identity of the public space where it's located? What do you hope viewers will take away from experiencing your artwork in the context of its public space? 

Image Credit : Anne Neo

The artwork adds colour and life to an area used for jogging, tai chi and zumba. It also improved the overall appearance of cracked benches. I hope residents appreciate the vibrant artwork and feel a sense of ownership and pride in their community space.

5. What advice/insights do you have to share based on your experience with the Lively Places Fund/Programme, for prospective artists interested in contributing to public spaces?

My biggest advice is to just go for it if you have an idea! Beyond brightening the Potong Pasir neighbourhood, the opportunity to connect with the community was a cherished experience for me, making the project truly special!

_{The project is part of the Lively Places Programme, a joint initiative by Urban Redevelopment Authority of Singapore (URA) and the Housing & Development Board (HDB), together with the National Arts Council (NAC), to support community-led efforts in enlivening Singapore’s public spaces–fostering a #DistinctiveCity by encouraging co-creation between artists and community stakeholders.}