Singapore Tamil Youth Conference 2016 Manifesto NUSTLS Singapore Tamil Youth Conference 2016 Manif | Page 57

Issue 9: Encouraging Cultural Creators in the Singapore Tamil Literary Arts Scene
Post-Panel Discussion
How can we enhance the Tamil youth’s interest, participation and creativity in the arts scene?
Recommendation 1: Mentorship Programme by Renowned Artistes
• Conduct workshops to bridge existing, well-known arts professionals with interested youths
from secondary schools, junior colleges, polytechnics and ITEs.
• The workshop will allow for:
• Knowledge sharing about the arts, media and theatre as potential career options.
• Identification of strengths and talents.
• Development of acting and speaking skills.
• Brainstorming sessions such that students can put up their own skit or talent show.
• These workshops will aid in improving the quality of Tamil school performances, thus
attracting more audience, and enhancing the youth’s interest and motivation in the arts
scene.
Recommendation 2: Learning Journeys to Local Plays
• This is a joint venture between the schools and drama groups. The school will fund cultural and
arts-based learning and the drama groups can produce student-based dramas and plays,
involving genres that can educate and encourage appreciation of the arts.
• Learning journeys to local Tamil productions can be organised for Tamil students aged between
9-12, while encouraging their parents to join along.
• These learning journeys will allow for cultural arts appreciation and good family support,
allowing students to pursue their interest in the arts adequately.
Recommendation 3: Platforms for Greater Recognition for Youths
• Recognition is important for artistes. When people are receptive of their work, they will be
more motivated to produce more creative works.
• Vasantham MediaCorp Channel: 30-minute segment to showcase youth’s talents (both visual
and literary) such as their original compositions, and plays.
• Record live performances of the students in their schools and broadcast those over the
weekends e.g. shows by Indian Cultural Societies.
• Revive the children gameshows for kindergarten and primary school students to spark their
interest in Tamil language and arts from young.
• Allow for young scriptwriters to work on shows. If the young scriptwriter lacks experience, pair
the youth with a more experienced scriptwriter.
• Pradhana Vizha: Introduce writing awards e.g. Best Scriptwriter.
• Oli 96.8FM: Revive the dramas and mystery shows on radio. Allow youths to stage their own
dramas on radio, instead of allowing professional actors only.
• YouTube Channel: This channel would serve as a platform for all Tamil youths to upload their
creative works and showcase their talents.
• Vasantham could coordinate and manage this channel to give it greater credibility. They could
also choose the better videos and broadcast them on television.
Issue 9: Encouraging Cultural Creators in the Singapore Tamil Literary Arts Scene
PAGE 57