How Art Became the Rescue Ranger for Kids in the COVID Chaos
When the Covid‑19 wave hit, it didn’t just shut down classrooms and office doors—it forced kids to swap playgrounds for living‑room corners, pack selfies into every school assignment, and feel the loneliness that makes even adults gasp.
Yet right through the gloom, a surprising super‑power surfaced: art. It turned out to be a secret weapon, letting youngsters paint their feelings, sculpt their frustrations, and rewrite their stories in colour and clay.
Meet the Muse Behind the Movement
We sat down with Suenne Megan Tan, the creative mastermind steering audience development at the National Gallery Singapore. She shared how parents can become the proud guides who help kids turn their noise‑filled emotions into masterpieces.
- Empower through Expression: Let kids own their art—no rulebooks, just imagination.
- Turn Screens into Studio: Digital drawing tools and online tutorials keep the craft alive even when in‑person classes pause.
- Art as a ‘Chatter Box’: Talking about a painted scene can be the easiest way kids discuss feelings they’re too shy to voice.
In Suenne’s words, “Art is the bridge that invites kids to talk about the weird mix of fear and curiosity that the pandemic brought.”
A New Twist: The “Phygital” Children’s Biennale
The National Gallery Singapore is rolling out the latest Children’s Biennale this November, and it’s not just a gallery event anymore. It’s a phygital experience—think physical art meets virtual vibes.
- In‑person Workshops: Kids can sketch or build in the gallery’s open studios.
- Virtual Gallery Tours: Zoom‑in on each piece from home, no travel needed.
- Live Interaction: Artists answer questions in real time, turning a passive visit into a two‑way conversation.
“We’re giving kids the best of both worlds,” says Suenne. “They can’t just stand in front of a painting; they can touch the texture, feel a canvas, and still log in to read the artist’s backstory anytime.”
Why Parents Should Jump In
- Turn the TV off, grab a canvas: Let your toddler see the fun in mess.
- Talk about the art: Ask them what they noticed—colors, shapes, feelings.
- Schedule a gallery visit (virtual or real): The logistics are simpler than you think.
With the right support, art becomes a toolbox that helps kids find their footing—turning uncertainty into creativity, and uncertainty into confidence.
Art has given children a platform to express themselves better, especially during the pandemic
Art: The Kid‑Friendly Escape Room of the Pandemic Era
When lockdowns turned bedrooms into schoolhouses, kids found themselves on the frontline of a new normal, chasing the torch of real‑world play with a side‑order of home‑based learning. The good news? Art swooped in as the unexpected MVP, offering a creative rescue mission that helped youngsters express, understand, and simply have fun during the chaos.
Why Art Beats Netflix for the Brain‑Crunch
- Curiosity jump‑starts: Kids who doodled their way through the day were less likely to stare at the ceiling and more likely to dream up their own universe.
- Imagine‑mode on: Sketching isn’t just cross‑hatching; it’s a dash of imagination that no screen can borrow.
- Family hangout factor: Parents, juggling work and teaching, found solace in the shared language of crayons and glue.
Art as a “no‑border” Odyssey
Think borderless like a giant school map that lets you reach anywhere without leaving bed. It’s a psychology‑friendly hug that brings people closer, all while keeping the good vibes flowing.
According to Ms. Tan, the ever‑fluid world demands a creative safe haven. So, the next time the school bell rings or the thermostat ticks, ask your child: “What’s your creative escape plan?”
Head/Home – A Groundhog Day of Cartoons
The Children’s Biennale has showcased a brilliant piece by home‑buddies Alfredo & Isabel Aquilizan: Head/Home. The “brain‑box” concept encourages kids to build whatever home they dream of by re‑using a cardboard box and everyday items.
Ms. Tan’s take on the activity: “Crafting a toy house helps kids feel rooted, while the free‑form approach invites creative exploration and assures them that they’re not on this crazy journey alone.”
Takeaway
Art isn’t just a pastime; it’s the ultimate “creative survival kit.” It gives kids a way to co‑create with their surroundings, build confidence, and build a community that says, “Hey, we’re all in this together.” Whether you’re crafting in a box or designing a storyboard, it’s all about turning the mundane into the magical.
Theme of Children’s Biennale 2021
2021 Children’s Biennale Goes Phygital – Art Across Borders
What’s the Buzz?
Looking back at previous years, the 2021 edition has gone all out, blending physical and digital experiences into a slick hybrid “phygital” format. This means you can soak up art from a comfy spot in Singapore or from wherever your Wi‑Fi is humming, no passport required.
Why the Countdown to Connection?
The National Gallery Singapore, together with a lineup of artists, wants to shout out the crucial role of connection and personal growth for kids of every age—especially when the world’s been on lockdown. It’s all about keeping the creative flame alive.
The Art Talk: “Why Art Matters”
Artists were invited to channel the theme Why Art Matters while crafting their pieces. The result? Nine vibrant artworks that spill over four playful sub‑themes.
Sub‑Themes (in a quick list):
- Home
- Environment
- Diversity
- Time
Ms Tan explains that tackling these timely topics brings the present and future generations under one creative umbrella. It sparks curiosity, builds character, and nudges kids into critical thinking—all while keeping the mood light and imaginative.
What to look forward to at the 2021 Children’s Biennale
Meet the Biennale’s New Phygital Pitch
So, what’s a phygital format? Picture a blend of “physical” and “digital” – the perfect handshake between touch‑and‑feel and cool‑tech tricks. The idea rolled out because the world was stuck in lockdown, social distancing was the new fashion, and museums had to renegotiate the “no crowds” rule.
Why You’ll Love the New On‑Site Experience
In November, nine hot‑new installations are ready to rock the venue. Think of it as the museum’s version of a blockbuster movie: immersive, large‑scale, and packed with surprises that you’ll want to swipe through on the microsite afterward.
- Hands‑on exhibits you can actually touch
- Augmented reality overlays you can’t see in real life
- Interactive kiosks that listen to your questions
Highlight Reel: “Calling for Rain” by Khvay Samnang
This gem fires up the Auditorium Anteroom with life‑like props and mask‑heavy drama that pays homage to the Cambodian epic Reamker – essentially the Khmer spin on the Ramayana saga. It’s an artistic humidity that you feel, not just see.
What the Pro’s are Saying
Ms Tan, the brains behind the project, says, “While the format may have changed, the goal stays the same. The Biennale’s still about getting people involved through participatory, immersive, interactive art installations.” That’s the kind of mission that keeps the creative fireworks going, even when the world’s in lockdown.
How parents can use arts to help kids adjust to the new normal
Art: The Unexpected Hero in Our Post‑Pandemic Kids’ World
Ms Tan recently shared that the pandemic has shaken up every part of our lives – the way we eat, work, and most importantly, how we nurture our children’s curiosity and creativity. But there’s a silver lining: art is an amazing ally that can help youngsters glide into the new normal with a splash of color and a dash of imagination.
Why Art Matters (and isn’t just “drawing” as we remember it)
- Emotional Outlet – Kids can talk that stubborn bubble of boredom and anxieties through colors, shapes, and textures.
- Stress‑Buster – Engaging in creative play lowers cortisol levels, making those “seven‑hour‑long” Zoom‑time moments feel lighter.
- Skill Booster – Fine motor control, hand‑eye coordination, even basic math skills? Yes, all that while a kid is busy turning a plain white sheet into a galaxy.
- Community Builder – Group art projects? Think of them as modern‑day campfire stories that keep that sense of belonging alive.
Practical Ways to Sprinkle Art into Daily Life
- Home Studio with a Goal: Turn one corner of the living room into a “DIY art zone.” Let kids experiment with crayons, finger paints, or even recycled bottle caps. Provide a mini guide like “Create a Monster of Your Own” and watch that creative spark ignite.
- Story‑Based Projects: Pair storytelling with drawing. For example, after reading a short book, ask the child to illustrate the climax. It turns passive reading into active engagement.
- Online Collaboration: Organize virtual art parties where kids can upload their sketches or live‑draw together. It brings the sense of classmates and peers after all that screen‑time isolation.
- Celebrate Every Shade: Hang the artwork, rotate weekly, and give a stamp of approval. When kids see their creations on the wall, it boosts confidence more than any accolades can.
Final Thought
While the pandemic painted our lives with a darker brush, art offers a vibrant palette to help our kids remix their routines. Let’s encourage them to pick up a brush, let their feelings flow, and remind them that every masterpiece starts with a single stroke.
1. Physical boundaries shouldn’t clip the creativity of kids
Keeping Kids Connected Through Digital Art
When social distancing feels like it’s been a marathon, we don’t want our little ones to feel like invisible ghosts stuck in a bubble. They’re meant to be the spark of curiosity, the trailblazers of imagination, and the best friends to people who live halfway across the world.
Why Digital Art Is the Secret Sauce
- Breaks the physical mold: Think of a canvas that stretches beyond any door or fence. Kids can paint, doodle, and write wherever they are—no passport required.
- Encourages collaboration: One child’s scribble can become the next person’s next chapter, turning a solo palette into an entire playlist of creativity.
- Builds global friendships: Through shared stories that survive in the cloud, a kid in Tokyo can read a doodle from a friend in Lagos and then add their own twist.
Case in Point: A Day’s Book by Joyce Ho
With a simple line, Ms. Tan described the project: “Transcending physical boundaries, this co‑creation of art invites participants to write and draw a story, which can then be accessed and continued by someone who enters the digital space the next day.”
It’s like a secret creative café: the first guest drops a coffee‑colored joke (or a picture), the next guest picks it up, adds their own latte laugh, and the conversation keeps brewing, all while staying safely inside their own living room.
Takeaway
So next time a parent says “Let’s do something awesome,” suggest a digital art project that turns a screen into a passport. Kids will never feel alone, and the world becomes a big, friendly canvas.
2. Equip kids with confidence
Art: The Secret Superpower Kids Need to Make ‘This Gigantic New Normal’ Feel Less Scary
When lockdowns and ever‑changing rules throw a wrench in everyday life, art can be that bright, hands‑on reminder that kids still have some degree of control. Ms Tan believes we shouldn’t just let them look at pictures, but rather grab a brush and shake the cage of boredom.
Ms Tan’s Game Plan for Creative Confidence
- Co‑create, don’t just observe. She says, “If we invite children into interactive, hands‑on art activities, we help them grow and love the arts more.”
- Team up with friends or family. Collaborative projects teach vital skills—communication, sharing, and problem‑solving—exactly what we need in these hectic times.
- Make art less like a chore and more like a game. Even a simple “paint a story” session becomes spontaneous, engaging, and a great way to chat about feelings.
Why It Works
With art in the mix, kids are less likely to feel stuck in the “new normal” maze. They gain:
- Confidence. Mastering a new drawing technique feels similar to conquering a tough video‑game level.
- Resilience. Kids relate the creative process to weathering challenges—think of a messy canvas that eventually turns into a masterpiece.
- Joy. When crafting, laughter replaces anxiety, and the world feels a little denser but far less intimidating.
So, if you’re looking for a fun yet powerful way to help your little ones navigate this ever‑shifting world, pull out the paint, stickers, or clay—because in the end, creativity is the most fabulous, surprising, and surprisingly useful weapon we can hand to our future heroes.
3. Bond with kids
Gear Up Parents – Your Kids Need Your Creative Contagion!
Ever feel like your child’s art class is more of a solo show? The Gallery Children’s Biennale is flipping that script. They’re turning the gallery into a playground where parents, guardians, & caretakers can drop in, knead the paint with their tiny maestros, and actually co-create masterpieces.
Why Bother? Because Bonding is the Best Brain Booster!
- Kids spend fewer hours on screens and more on paint‑splatter adventures.
- Parents get to see their little ones’ eyes light up in real time.
- Both sides walk out with a big brag‑worthy, hand‑signed artwork.
How It Works
When you step into the Biennale, there’s a dedicated nook: adults and kids sit side by side, with brushes in hand. Our expert instructors hover around to make sure every splash is a splash of joy—not just a stray splatter.
Feel, Create, Communicate
It’s not just about putting “parent” and “artist” together; it’s about letting stories bleed onto canvas, giggles echo through crafted brush strokes, and generational brilliance live in every corner of the exhibit.
So if you’re looking to swap the snooze‑pants for paint‑smeared smocks, the Gallery Children’s Biennale welcomes you with open studio doors. Let’s paint the future one masterpiece at a time—one shared grin per stroke!
4. Instils a sense of empathy
Art: Kid‑Friendly Passport to the World
Ever wondered how a splash of paint or a click‑click of a clay sculpture can turn your little ones into globe‑trotters—without the flight attendant? Art does just that. It offers a safe, cozy launchpad for children to peek into lives far beyond their own.
Why Kids Love Art as a Cultural Class
- Safety first: Kids explore new cultures without the risk of stepping into a real foreign country (no passports required!).
- Depth over breadth: Connections are made on an emotional level, not just facts from a textbook.
- Fun, not forced: Learning feels like play, not another lesson on “The Sun.”
Hot‑Ticket Installations that Inspire Curiosity
Two standout pieces are worth shouting out:
- Head/Home by Alfredo & Isabel Aquilizan – a playful kiosk that lets kids step into the everyday lives of kids from far corners of the globe.
- A Day’s Book by Joyce Ho – a narrative sculpture that turns a single page of a child’s story into a portal to similar tales worldwide.
The Takeaway
When kids get to mingle with digital and tactile stories, the world suddenly feels a little smaller. Art isn’t just a pastime—it’s a passport, a bridge, and a playground rolled into one.
5. Encourage kids to think freely
Unleashing the Power of Play: A Parent’s Secret Weapon
Ever wondered how to spark your child’s imagination while having a blast? Play is the answer. Parents can sprinkle creative opportunities into everyday life, and the payoff is huge—both for kids and for the family dynamic.
Why Play Works Wonders
- Brain Boost: Turns out, juggling toys and questions sharpens a child’s planning and organisational skills.
- Emotional Armor: Play helps youngsters recognize and manage feelings—so fewer fits of temper next time.
- Stress Buster: Kids get a natural outlet to release tension; it’s like a mini spa day for their mind.
- Creative Catalyst: From building forts to inventing new games, playful moments ignite creative thinking right from the start.
The Ripple Effect on Parents
It’s not just the kids who benefit. When you’re both engaged in playful adventures, the father-child connection deepens, and the mother-child bond strengthens. Suddenly, you’re swapping jokes, cheering on someone’s new skill, or even laughing at the same silly mistake.
So, next time you’re planning a family outing or settling for a cozy evening at home, think of play as your magical tool. It turns ordinary moments into unforgettable memories—plus it keeps everyone happier and healthier.
The pandemic has given rise to mental health issues in kids. Can art help them?
Little Minds, Big Stress: How Art Steps In
Nowadays, kids are packed full of stress—think of a tiny backpack that’s bursting at the seams—and sadly, there’s barely any way for them to unload it.
The Home‑bound Reality
With kids glued to the couch, it’s tough to go outside and share a laugh with friends or simply chat. It’s like being stuck in a shoebox where everyone already knows the punchline.
Art: The Quick‑Fix for Squeaky Minds
Ms Tan swears by the power of art. “When words run to the bathroom, art is the secret passage,” she says, and we’re totally convinced.
Why Art Wins
- Expression without the smack‑talk: Painting, doodling, or even juggling colors gives kids a safe channel to vent when they’re shirtless with feelings.
- Stress-free neurotransmitters: Hitting the canvas diverts the brain’s spotlight from worry to creativity—think of it as a mini unplug for the inner teeny‑weens.
- Bridging the gap: Art is a doorway to connect with peers. A shared sketch becomes a conversation about what’s hard, allowing kids to realize they’re not alone.
- Friendship factories: By swapping stories through colors and strokes, the kids learn that everyone else’s struggles might just be your friend’s side‑by‑side.
Takeaway
Ms Tan’s clear verdict: art is not just an escape but a lifeline—helping these young souls keep their mental and emotional health in check, and ensuring that even juveniles feel supported by their friends.
5 activities to try with your kids at Children’s Biennale
Kids’ Creative Wonderland: What to Tackle at the Children’s Biennale
Ready to transform your little ones into tiny artisans? The Children’s Biennale is bursting with workshops that mix story‑telling, movement, and hands‑on fun. Below are some of the coolest activities you’ll want to explore together.
DIY Craft Zone
- Recycled Magazine Basket Crafter – Grab those old glossy pages, fold, weave, and voila—a beautiful basket you can brag about!
- Origami‑style Paper Pets – Fold, snip, and snap. Your child’s new furry friend will never leave the comfort of the table.
- Seamless Image Mashup – Take two pictures, roll them together, and create a picture that feels like it came straight from Dinh Q Lê’s “Voices from the Centers.”
- Colour‑Inspired Conversation Card – A coloring sheet that pulls ideas from Sandra Lee’s “Conversations with an Octopus.” Great for sparking those deep‑sea chats.
- Pop‑Up Honeycomb Card – Inspired by Speak Cryptic X ADDADDADD’s “BEHOME,” this card pops—literally—with a bee‑friendly vibe.
Parent‑Child Sound Exploration
Turn your living room into a lab for noise experiments—if you want to build a sonic playground, these workshops are the place to start.
Movement & Story Sessions
Watch as your kids let the rhythm guide them through interactive movement exercises, and dive into a world of captivating narration that will keep those imaginations buzzing.
Heartfelt Words from Ms. Tan
Ms. Tan’s take: “Dive headfirst into the magical world of art. It won’t just build character; it adds a dash of critical thinking, empathy, and confidence to the mix. We’re all in this together—no matter the challenges—so let’s keep our spirits up. The world, after all, won’t feel the weight of disappointment if we share our stories.”
So whether you’re a new parent or a seasoned pro, the Children’s Biennale is your playground. Grab your crafty kit, and let the fun roll!
