GRACE NG
'How does my Heart Speak' video project 2020
Role: Co-Creator
Community Based Video Project sponsored by arts council Cendana Malaysia
‘How does my heart speak?’
‘我怎么说？’ is a virtual workshop initiated by Robin Khor and Grace Ng, with the interest to ask questions about Home, Identity and Belonging, specifically within (for now) Chinese culture in Malaysia. In the 2-day session, we shared on the topic of Mother Tongue 母语, and artists were asked to create a written piece based on their internal monologues when speaking in an unfamiliar language. The participants then had to swap their texts when performing the monologues. This video features the creative work and discussions amongst all the participants during the workshop.
Pop Party, Urbanscapes 2018
Role: Director, Producer
Multi-Disciplinary Performing Arts Showcase
Challenge
I noticed there was a lack of avenue for young performing artists to explore and express themselves as individuals beyond the group format of theatre-making (this is different from visual artists and dancers whose nature of work allows them to create solo work). I wanted to initiate a platform for this as it not only helps to create diversity of voices but also allow performers to understand themselves better, thereby improving the quality of group theatre-work in the future. At this time there was also a lack of collaboration between the arts. Theatre, visual arts, poetry and music existed in their own individual silos.
Solution
Creating space for a group of performing artists within the theatre industry, who were ready to explore their unique voices, and held different interests. Structuring boundaries for them to play within and nurturing a support system that rewards courage and exploration. The result was a delightful multi-disciplinary piece that combined performance art, dance, visual art, projection, multimedia, music, poetry and dramatic text.
Freeform, Urbanscapes 2018
Role: Curator, Program Manager
(Arts and Community Programs)
Creative Arts Festival #reimagineKL
Challenge
To weave the KL city narrative into a creative arts festival across 3 weekends, reviving the downtown area and allowing both tourists and locals to see the city in a new light. Merging artistic integrity with commercial demands and creating greater accessibility for the arts amongst the general public.
Solution
Working with strategic partners with strong city and art links such as Think City, DIAM and MyDance Alliance. Reaching out to the right type of artists ,creators and makers- challenging them to create collaborative and multi-disciplinary works that allow audiences various entry-points into the work. Diversifying the programming to reach a wide range of audiences.