Warm in the Wok
Welcome to our half-yearly donor newsletter! In each edition, we profile a member of the vibrant and unique community that makes ArtsWok’s work possible. We also reflect on ArtsWok’s programmes through the eyes of our team, shedding light on the people and processes behind the scenes.
• Community Story •
The Tea With Aini
Aini has been volunteering with ArtsWok since 2022. A stalwart presence in the Taman Jurong community, she currently serves as the Chairperson of their community arts and culture club. In between organising community arts festivals and a rigorous consumption of manga (Solo Leveling is a fave!), Aini also corrals curious young visitors into some semblance of order at the National Museum of Singapore. Let’s hear from this human dynamo as she shares her thoughts on her ArtsWok journey!
Image: At Both Sides, Now: Mengukir Harapan (2022), Aini took on the role of facilitator, and supported grounded conversations within the community.
How did you first encounter ArtsWok? What drew you to volunteer and join ArtsWok Greenhouse Sessions?
I first came across ArtsWok on Instagram through their Both Sides, Now (BSN) project back in 2022. I was actively looking for volunteering opportunities outside of Taman Jurong, and somehow, the Instagram algorithm worked its magic and brought me to BSN — and well, one thing led to another, and here we are.
As for the ArtsWok Greenhouse Sessions, I’ve been volunteering in the arts ‘for way too long’, and I’ve always craved the chance to meet like-minded individuals. That sense of community is something I’ve found lacking in my environment, so when I read about the Greenhouse Sessions in the ArtsWok emails, I was super intrigued and signed myself up. Each session has been an eye-opener — I’ve learned so much, gathered fresh perspectives, and grown in ways I never expected. But the biggest blessing? Finally understanding the role I want to play in my practice. It’s been a journey of growth, and I’m so grateful for it.
Aini engaging in a participatory activity at Lepaskan Sesalan.
Aini sharing her perspective on art and community at ArtsWok Greenhouse Session #24.
What keeps you going with ArtsWok?
The community you’ve built! It’s not every day you find yourself surrounded by people from all walks of life — different backgrounds, different specialties — yet everyone is so open to having honest conversations about the bigger issues we’re all trying to navigate. Even though we can’t control these systemic problems, we’re all just figuring out how to make things work in our own way.
As someone who isn’t an artist, it’s rare to find art spaces where people see you as an asset. When you’re trying to work towards something bigger than yourself, feeling valued makes all the difference. That’s what ArtsWok has been for me — a comfort blanket, a space where I feel seen and understood. In so many ways, they’ve helped guide me on the path I’m on now, and I’m so grateful for that.
Aini at the Taman Jurong Youth Network offering arts-based engagement approaches they could adopt for their own programmes.
Always ready for a good chat, Aini welcomed guests with her warmth at the front-of-house table for our first ever Film Screening Fundraiser.
If ArtsWok were a prata order, what would we be? Why?
You’d definitely be a plaster prata — warm, comforting, and full of substance. The egg on top reminds me of how they nurture and hold space for everyone, no matter where you’re from or what you do. Like how the yolk runs when you break into it, ArtsWok creates room for honest, messy conversations about complex issues. Every bite is a reminder that you’re valued, even if you don’t fit the typical mold. It’s not the fanciest prata order, but it’s the kind that leaves you feeling full — not just in your stomach but in your heart too.
Practitioner’s Training and Development Survey
In September 2024, we asked our multisectoral network of practitioners about their learning needs and experiences of community-engaged work. Among other results, we were thankful to hear that
of respondents expressed significant interest in including arts-based/creative approaches in future community projects – a figure that drives ArtsWok’s current focus on training programmes for community-engaged practitioners
of respondents identified reflective practice as the personal development skill they were most keen to develop, a finding we responded through in AWGS #25 (find out more below!)
Sze Yunn (Director, Strategic Development) gives us a peek into the thinking that went into the Survey:
Over the past 11 years, ArtsWok has worked with practitioners from different sectors, including arts & creative, community, education, and social services. With rising interest in community-engaged arts practices, this survey helped us identify current needs, challenges, and opportunities in the field. We have learnt that different sectors, each with their own unique perspectives, may interpret terms like “community development” in different ways. To ensure clarity for every respondent, we took extra care to craft each survey question. While the diversity of the practitioners presented a survey design challenge, it ultimately gave us a wider range of perspectives to guide ArtsWok’s programmes for community-engaged practitioners. This ensures we continue to meet the growing needs of the field.
Practitioner’s Training and Development Survey
In September 2024, we asked our multisectoral network of practitioners about their learning needs and experiences of community-engaged work. Among other results, we were thankful to hear that
of respondents expressed significant interest in including arts-based/creative approaches in future community projects – a figure that drives ArtsWok’s current focus on training programmes for community-engaged practitioners.
of respondents identified reflective practice as the personal development skill they were most keen to develop, a finding we responded through in AWGS #25 (find out more below!)
Sze Yunn (Director, Strategic Development) gives us a peek into the thinking that went into the Survey:
Over the past 11 years, ArtsWok has worked with practitioners from different sectors, including arts & creative, community, education, and social services. With rising interest in community-engaged arts practices, this survey helped us identify current needs, challenges, and opportunities in the field. We have learnt that different sectors, each with their own unique perspectives, may interpret terms like “community development” in different ways. To ensure clarity for every respondent, we took extra care to craft each survey question. While the diversity of the practitioners presented a survey design challenge, it ultimately gave us a wider range of perspectives to guide ArtsWok’s programmes for community-engaged practitioners. This ensures we continue to meet the growing needs of the field.
ArtsWok Collaborative Film Screening Fundraiser 2024: Plan 75 and Float Free
Executive Director Su-Lin and guests mingling just before the morning screening.
Senior collaborators and guests reconnecting over lunch.
A lively lunch with guests.
Community members from the Wellness Kampung reconnecting with Lead Artist Salty.
Our turn out for the afternoon screening.
The panel talk with Lead Artist Salty and two of the co creators of short film, "Float Free".
Guests asking questions about the films at the panel.
The senior collaborators of "tides".
Our booth at one of the extended screenings, in partnership with The Projector.
Idelle sharing about our work at the extended screenings.
The final two months of 2024 brought with them a flurry of activity! We organised our first-ever film fundraiser featuring Plan 75 and our BSN short film Float Free, as well as two public screenings of the same films. More than $19,000 was raised with more than 270 members of the ArtsWok community and the general public attending the event and two public screenings over three weekends!
Our very own tireless Jennifer (Assistant Manager, Programme & Engagement) reflects on the year-end blitz:
I learned that November is a very busy month because many supporters who wanted to join us for the event couldn’t because of their schedules. But even those who couldn’t come made an effort to help us spread the word, donate, and share their excitement with us for trying something new! I found that supporting a fundraiser goes beyond just donating – it can be telling others about it, inviting a friend, or volunteering your time. There were so many moments of gratitude amidst the intense event planning which encouraged us.
ArtsWok Collaborative Film Screening Fundraiser 2024: Plan 75 and Float Free
Executive Director Su-Lin and guests mingling just before the morning screening.
Senior collaborators and guests reconnecting over lunch.
A lively lunch with guests.
Community members from the Wellness Kampung reconnecting with Lead Artist Salty.
Our turn out for the afternoon screening.
The panel talk with Lead Artist Salty and two of the co creators of short film, "Float Free".
Guests asking questions about the films at the panel.
The senior collaborators of "tides".
Our booth at one of the extended screenings, in partnership with The Projector.
Idelle sharing about our work at the extended screenings.
The final two months of 2024 brought with them a flurry of activity! We organised our first-ever film fundraiser featuring Plan 75 and our BSN short film Float Free, as well as two public screenings of the same films. More than $19,000 was raised with more than 270 members of the ArtsWok community and the general public attending the event and two public screenings over three weekends!
Our very own tireless Jennifer (Assistant Manager, Programme & Engagement) reflects on the year-end blitz:
I learned that November is a very busy month because many supporters who wanted to join us for the event couldn’t because of their schedules. But even those who couldn’t come made an effort to help us spread the word, donate, and share their excitement with us for trying something new! I found that supporting a fundraiser goes beyond just donating – it can be telling others about it, inviting a friend, or volunteering your time. There were so many moments of gratitude amidst the intense event planning which encouraged us.
ArtsWok Greenhouse Session (AWGS) #25: Exploring Care through Reflective Practice
The room was filled with participants from diverse backgrounds.
Regina sharing an introduction to critical reflective practice.
Participants discussing the types of reflective practice and how it has been helpful to them.
Michael's short performance with a glass and water to illustrate the labour involved in our practices.
Participants mapped their hands and feet while reflecting on the work they’ve accomplished.
Our wonderful network of practitioners who attended this session.
In March 2025, participants across the social, arts, and education sectors explored caring for the self amidst the busyness of community-engaged work. It was a thoughtful and highly practical time spent exploring theories of reflective practice and learning practical rituals of care. Our attendees shared that they cherished the rarity of being in a “vulnerable space that felt warm and empowering”, and that they enjoyed hearing from people of different backgrounds and disciplines.
Idelle (Communication & Engagement Executive) shares her thoughts on how this AWGS was helpful for her:
The topic of care and reflective practice was really timely! So many of us who work in the arts and in the community focus so much on serving others, we forget to pay attention to our own needs. Personally, I very much enjoyed the care ritual of tracing our hands and feet. The exercise allowed all these grown-ups sitting on the floor — shoes off, sharpies in hand — to focus on the body, but also return to the childlike fun that every overworked adult needs. Every part of ourselves deserves care, even as we work hard to care for others!
ArtsWok Greenhouse Session (AWGS) #25: Exploring Care through Reflective Practice
The room was filled with participants from diverse backgrounds.
Regina sharing an introduction to critical reflective practice.
Participants discussing the types of reflective practice and how it has been helpful to them.
Michael's short performance with a glass and water to illustrate the labour involved in our practices.
Participants mapped their hands and feet while reflecting on the work they’ve accomplished.
Our wonderful network of practitioners who attended this session.
In March 2025, participants across the social, arts, and education sectors explored caring for the self amidst the busyness of community-engaged work. It was a thoughtful and highly practical time spent exploring theories of reflective practice and learning practical rituals of care. Our attendees shared that they cherished the rarity of being in a “vulnerable space that felt warm and empowering”, and that they enjoyed hearing from people of different backgrounds and disciplines.
Idelle (Communication & Engagement Executive) shares her thoughts on how this AWGS was helpful for her:
The topic of care and reflective practice was really timely! So many of us who work in the arts and in the community focus so much on serving others, we forget to pay attention to our own needs. Personally, I very much enjoyed the care ritual of tracing our hands and feet. The exercise allowed all these grown-ups sitting on the floor — shoes off, sharpies in hand — to focus on the body, but also return to the childlike fun that every overworked adult needs. Every part of ourselves deserves care, even as we work hard to care for others!
Your donation will help us to keep our work with communities going, including our upcoming Piece of Mine workshop series and our research to develop a practitioner training programme. Would you consider coming alongside us on this journey?
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