Launch of SOULJOURN: In the Rooms of My Mind

MEDIA RELEASE

Launch of SOULJOURN: In the Rooms of My Mind

Inaugural Showcase cum Fundraiser for Singapore Association for Mental Health and The Business Times Budding Artists Fund

SINGAPORE 25 OCTOBER 2022 – Get a glimpse into how art plays a role in self-care and self-discovery this weekend at the inaugural Souljourn, a new multi-disciplinary immersive experience co-organised by the Singapore Association of Mental Health (SAMH) and not-for-profit arts organisation TRCL.

Souljourn is a fundraiser for SAMH and BT BAF. SAMH is a non-profit and non-government social service agency that provides a comprehensive range of mental health services, which include rehabilitative, outreach and creative services, to the community in Singapore while since 2005, BT BAF has reached out to over 22,000 children and youth from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, empowering them to fulfil their potential and pursue their dreams in the arts and culture sectors.

This is the first artistic collaboration between both organisations.

The event will comprise a series of experiential spaces that explore the themes of Future, Comfort, Reflection, Dream and Journey featuring actual works in progress from SAMH’s sessions with its beneficiaries and responses to the works by beneficiaries of The Business Times Budding Artists Fund. Souljourn will be held at 10 Square, #10-01 Orchard Central, a multi-disciplinary arts space managed by TRCL.

Says Mr Phan Ming Yen, Chief Operating Officer of TRCL, “As we know, the pandemic revealed the urgency of the need for mental wellbeing in the community, especially among the vulnerable. The pandemic also revealed how the arts or creative activity can provide a positive distraction which is not only therapeutic but also allows one to embark on a journey of self-discovery.

“Souljourn in some way is about that journey that one takes and we hope that the experience will show the myriad of ways the world and people around us can be perceived and understood. Ultimately, Souljourn is a journey.”

Featuring visual arts, movement, texts and even food, Souljourn is an interactive event that will invite audiences to engage with the installations.

Elaborates Jeremiah Choy, creative director for Souljourn 2022, “Souljourn is a dialogue. The works you’ll see in the showcase were created by beneficiaries of SAMH and are still works in progress, much like the journey they are on. In presenting the works as they are, we hope to invite visitors to keep an open mind. They can take on the role of a travelling companion, or a voyeur, it’s all about perspectives.”

To date, Souljourn has raised $230,000 which will go toward supporting the work of SAMH and BT BAF. The presenting donor for Souljourn is OCBC Bank with main donors being Chemical Industries (Far East) Limited, and Standard Chartered Bank (Singapore) Limited.

Says Ms Julie Tan, Corporate Services Director at SAMH, “We are encouraged by the support that we have received and hope that this collaboration will continue to bring different communities together and from this interaction, further enrich our understanding of the needs of the underserved and allow us to serve those in need better.”

Visitors can indicate their attendance via the Facebook Event page here: https://www.facebook.com/events/407629794909944/407629801576610/

For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms Kim Chan
kim_chan@trcl.sg

About TRCL

TRCL is a not-for-profit arts and culture charity with Institute of Public Character (IPC) status. The organisation is committed to addressing the social divide through creative and artistic intervention for the underserved with the aim of building a more resilient Singapore community. In this, TRCL manages three funds – The Business Times Budding Artist Fund, which provides arts education to financially disadvantaged children and youth; The #Engage Initiative, which seeks to bridge the digital divide; and the Fund for Fun, which seeks to provide arts and wellness programmes and public artworks in spaces that invite interaction, provide positive distraction and uplift the spirit of the community. For more information, please visit www.trcl.sg.

About SAMH

Established in 1968, the Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) is a non-profit and non- government social service agency that provides a comprehensive range of mental health services, which include rehabilitative, outreach and creative services, to the community in Singapore. SAMH aims to reintegrate persons with mental health issues back into society through community-based mental health programmes and services that provide rehabilitative care for these individuals, and support for their families and caregivers. With a vision to promote mental wellness for all, SAMH is committed to improve the lives of, and promote acceptance and respect for, persons with mental health issues and improve the mental resilience of the community. In 2018, SAMH celebrated its 50th anniversary where the Association pledged its commitment to step up efforts and address the growing challenge of mental health issues among the people, young and old. For more information, please visit: www.samhealth.org.sg.

About BT BAF

Adopted by The Business Times in 2005 and managed by TRCL, BT BAF has reached out to over 22,000 children and youth from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, empowering them to fulfil their potential and pursue their dreams in the arts and culture sectors. The fund provides structured arts training programmes at two arts training centres managed by TRCL, The Little Arts Academy and 10 Square Youth. For more information, visit www.baf.sg.