CHILDREN are digital natives and probably relate better to their iPad and mobile phones than they do with humans.
That means they should take to learning digitally with ease. And that should cut across to how they consume their information, be it playing games, shopping or even exploring places and activities of interest.
This comes in handy during COVID-19 as most places are shut, forcing everyone to go online for information and resources. The digital platform makes for easier communication.
The National Gallery Singapore’s biennial children’s festival, Small Big Dreamers, was well on its way to becoming a physical installation when the pandemic hit and the Circuit Breaker measures kicked in.
Suddenly, the team had to change tack and deliver a digital version of the exhibition by 1 June, in time for the mid-year school holidays.
But the holidays were pushed forward due to COVID-19 and the lessons resume on 2 June.
But the benefit of going digitial is, it doesn’t matter.
The online activities are available 24/7, with no limitations about opening hours or other physical constraints. So, while you may not be able to visit the Gallery, you can access the Festival at leisure.
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From learning to draw and understanding the principles of art, to appreciating the works of five Southeast Asian artists, the site allows for greater interaction between children and art.
And if the COVID-19 eases up and the Gallery opens its doors to visitors, a physical version of the Children’s Festival may still emerge. But that will be decided at a later date.
Small Big Dreamers will run from 1 June 2020 to 28 March 2021. You can visit the Festival at https://www.nationalgallery.sg/smallbigdreamers/.
