101664 Though not the oldest arts institution in Singapore, the LASALLE College of the Arts or LASALLE, as it’s commonly known, has gone on to establish itself as one of the premier colleges of its kind in the region since it began over 25 years ago.
101665 Taught by an international cast of well-known industry experts from artists, to designers, painters, actors, composers, dancers, directors, film producers, art critics, curators, musicians and playwrights, students at LASALLE are pushed to explore the areas of initiative-taking and project facilitation, while also evaluating old ideas and new thoughts through self-experimentation, industrial internships and social criticism.
101666 The LASALLE alumni also boast some of the finest graduates that have gone on to achieve international success in their fields of work.
101667 Among them is art and design collective :Phunk Studio, whose members have gained international success in the field of graphic design, perfecting their visual signatures for international brands like Nike, Nokia, MTV, Levi’s and Tiger Beer.
101668 Its campus in the heart of Singapore’s Civic District on betrays its less-than-humble origins.
101669 In 1984, Brother Joseph McNally, a prominent educator with a passion for art from the Roman Catholic De La Salle order started a small outfit in a disused shed at St. Patrick’s School in Katong, christening it the St. Patrick’s Art Centre.
101670 What initially began as a centre for fine arts grew to incorporate performing and visual arts and was soon renamed.
101671 The college came into its own in the 1990s – providing a practical tertiary education incorporating connective practices found in the artistic industry.
101672 A diverse range of courses was soon offered – from a Diploma in Design Communication to a Bachelor of Art (Hons) Acting to a MA in Art Therapy.
101673 Brother McNally stepped down as President in 1997 and passed away in 2002.
101674 Fittingly, when it moved to its new location in 2007, LASALLE chose for its new address to read 1 McNally Street.
101675 The school also holds performances and arts exhibitions regularly.
101676 For an updated list of events and listings, please visit their website at www.lasalle.edu.sg.