Singapore

A LOVE of art brought students from Singapore's School of the Arts (Sota) and members from the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Singapore (MDAS) together for a linoleum printmaking workshop on Wednesday.

Eye-catching linoleum prints featuring shophouses, lovebirds and the Merlion were designed by members of MDAS and later carved into linoleum blocks in a myriad of bright colours. For Sota student Claire Chua, 14, the workshop was an opportunity for her to interact with people from different backgrounds. She said: "I have discovered that members of MDAS are independent and each of them is unique in ability."

The prints will be shown to visitors of the upcoming Sunburst: The Business Times-CapitaLand Fundraising Concert at Sota's concert hall at 7.30pm on Nov 8.

The concert is organised by The Business Times and presented by CapitaLand Hope Foundation, the philantrophic arm of CapitaLand. It aims to raise funds for MDAS and sota's student assistance fund. Already, the upcoming concert has raised S$250,000.

This year's edition - themed "strength" - will see music and dance students and alumni from Sota alongside competitive wheelchair ballroom dancers and a vocal-songwriting student from MDAS taking centre stage.

On MDAS's collaborations with Sota, executive director Sherena Loh said: "Working with Sota in the various activities has widened opportunities for new experiences and greater exposure for our members.

"MDAS is exploring the possibility of working with Sota's students next year to share personal life stories of those with muscular dystrophy so as to inspire and encourage others facing similar challenges."