Art Outreach Singapore chairman Mae Anderson builds bridges between arts and community

Mae Anderson has long been a champion of the arts in Singapore, dedicating her time, expertise, and passion as the Chairman of Art Outreach Singapore. Her commitment to promoting visual literacy and supporting the arts has transformed the organisation from a supplementary art education programme into a vital force in the local arts community. 

Her journey is a testament to the power of art as a tool for social change and the impact of thoughtful leadership. Through strategic partnerships and a focus on sustainability, Anderson continues to build bridges between the arts and the community, ensuring that creativity remains a vital part of Singapore’s cultural fabric. 

Art Outreach Singapore

Art Outreach Singapore was established in 2003 with the mission of fostering visual literacy and appreciation for the arts among the public. Initially, the organisation focused on educational programmes in schools and organising tours of public artworks around the city. Over time, it expanded its efforts to include a broader range of community engagement activities, such as workshops, exhibitions, and professional development opportunities for artists. The organisation's ongoing work is crucial in making art more accessible and appreciated by the diverse population of Singapore, playing a significant role in nurturing a vibrant local arts ecosystem.

Personal commitment to the arts

Mae Anderson’s deep connection to the arts began early in her life, influenced by a family that valued literature and creative expression. This early exposure laid the foundation for her lifelong dedication to the arts. Her journey with Art Outreach began when she took on the role of fundraising chair shortly after the organisation's founding in 2003. Her involvement deepened over the years, leading to her appointment as chairman in 2006.

In reflecting on her motivations, Anderson noted, "The arts make you a better thinker and doer, and hopefully more compassionate and curious. Volunteering and leading an organisation like Art Outreach is my way of addressing issues and setting a good example for my daughters."

Her personal experiences have fueled her commitment to making art accessible to all, fostering a culture where creativity is not only encouraged but also celebrated. Through her leadership, Art Outreach has become a cornerstone of the Singaporean arts community.

The evolution of Art Outreach Singapore mirrors the broader development of Singapore's arts scene, which has seen tremendous growth over the past few decades. Since the establishment of the Ministry of Culture in 1959, the Singapore government has made concerted efforts to develop a distinctive cultural identity through the arts. Initiatives by the National Arts Council (NAC) and support from private sector patrons have been instrumental in this transformation. 

These efforts aim to foster a thriving arts community, characterised by a blend of traditional and contemporary influences, and position Singapore as a global cultural hub. Art Outreach, with its focus on education and community engagement, is considered a leading player in this cultural renaissance, helping to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the arts among Singaporeans and contributing to the city's dynamic cultural landscape.

Championing visual literacy and art appreciation

When Anderson first became involved with Art Outreach, the organisation was primarily focused on supplementing art education in primary schools. However, under her visionary leadership, it has expanded into a comprehensive initiative that promotes visual literacy across multiple levels of society. Anderson’s goal has always been to ensure that art is accessible to all, fostering a culture where creativity is valued and encouraged.

"We serve the public and our beneficiaries, which are art practitioners, in the best way we can and ensure that we give the public access to meaningful, quality, and impactful art programs," Anderson shared.

One of the most impactful programmes that Anderson has spearheaded is the Free Art Space initiative. This programme offers artists the opportunity to exhibit their work without the burden of rental costs, allowing them to focus entirely on their creative expression. In addition, artists can receive micro-grants and access professional development resources, helping them to grow and sustain their careers in a competitive environment.

"We allow practitioners to use the space for their shows and engage with the community if their practice requires it," Anderson explained.

This initiative, among others, has earned Art Outreach recognition for its governance and transparency, underscoring the organisation's credibility and the impact it has had on the Singaporean arts scene.

Expanding influence and reach

Under Anderson’s leadership, Art Outreach has not only increased its physical presence but also significantly expanded its programming. Strategic partnerships have been a key factor in this growth. For example, a notable partnership with Marina Bay Sands provided a grant that allowed Art Outreach to double its exhibition space, enabling the organisation to host more artists and reach a wider audience.

"The corporate or private sector is an important segment of patrons and support for charities, including those in the arts," Anderson noted.

This expansion has also been facilitated by a shift in donor demographics, with substantial contributions now coming from private institutions and high-net-worth individuals. These donors recognise the value of art not only as a passion but as a meaningful asset that contributes to cultural and community development.

Recognitions and achievements

Under Anderson’s stewardship, Art Outreach has garnered significant recognition. The organisation has been praised for its contributions to visual literacy and cultural awareness, particularly among young students. These efforts have been acknowledged through awards for governance and transparency, placing Art Outreach alongside prestigious institutions like the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and the National Gallery Singapore.

"Last year, we were one of four arts charities awarded a prize for governance and transparency. This recognition is incredibly meaningful given our size compared to other larger institutions," Anderson mentioned. "We take that with a lot of pleasure and pride," she added, emphasising the importance of maintaining high standards of governance to ensure the organisation’s integrity and effectiveness.

These accolades highlight the success of Anderson’s approach to leadership and her ability to inspire a team that is as dedicated to the mission of Art Outreach as she is.

Overcoming challenges and planning for the future

Despite the successes, Anderson acknowledges that there are challenges, particularly in ensuring the long-term sustainability of Art Outreach. One of her main concerns is succession planning—finding and nurturing individuals who are equally passionate and committed to continuing the organisation’s mission.

"Finding people who are similarly committed and dedicated is not easy. This is perhaps the thing that keeps me up at night the most," she admitted.

Looking ahead, Anderson is focused on expanding Art Outreach’s programmes and continuing to adapt to the evolving needs of Singapore’s art ecosystem. She envisions a future where Art Outreach plays an even larger role in nurturing creativity and cultural engagement.

"Future plans have to be predicated on national needs and direction. We want to be part of the solution and vision for the future," she said.

Advice for young leaders

As someone who has successfully bridged the worlds of art and philanthropy, Anderson is often sought after for advice by young professionals. Her counsel is always rooted in passion and commitment, encouraging young leaders to be thoughtful and strategic in their pursuits.

"Think carefully about the opportunities across various dimensions and be cognizant of the challenges. A career in the arts is rewarding but often doesn't pay off early. It's essential to count the cost and be committed," she advised.

For Anderson, the key to success lies in perseverance and a deep belief in the value of the work. She hopes to inspire the next generation of leaders to carry forward the mission of Art Outreach, ensuring that art remains a vital part of Singapore’s cultural fabric.