Sengkang General Hospital (SKH) and Global Cultural Alliance (GCA) launched Atlas of The Mind, a new interactive digital art installation at SKH Campus today.
Supported by The Bloom Fund, GCA has made possible the gifting of Atlas of The Mind to SKH. The Bloom Fund’s cause in supporting meaningful inter-generational connections between seniors and younger communities is demonstrated in the interactive installation, welcoming visitors of different ages and experiences to find common ground through shared creativity and participation right on the premises of SKH.
Created by local visual artist and technologist Dr Debbie Ding and curated by GCA for SKH’s Arts in Healing programme, Atlas of The Mind transforms emotions, stories and reflections shared by members of the SKH community into three evolving digital worlds: the Island of Growth, Island of Memory and Island of Resilience.
The installation was co-created through four workshop sessions held over two days, involving over 40 participants from different backgrounds and age groups. They included SKH staff, volunteers, and members of the public. Through guided reflection and creative activities, participants shared memories, feelings and lived experiences that helped shape the landscapes and narratives of the three islands.
Visitors can experience the artwork through three interactive installations at SKH’s Community Heart. Each installation comprises a screen, two physical buttons and a speaker, allowing visitors to influence the digital worlds and discover different elements within each island.
Three landscapes shaped by the SKH community
Island of Growth – “Change is Possible”: A moss-covered world of curious creatures and paper cranes, exploring how people learn, adapt and grow.
Island of Memory – “Nothing is Forgotten”: A warm, sepia-toned landscape of familiar objects and recollections associated with home, family and childhood.
Island of Resilience – “You Are Not Alone”: A world of snow, balloons, flowers and unexpected comforts, reflecting how connection, compassion and everyday acts of care can help people through difficult periods.
The soundscapes, or specially created audio environments, for the three islands were created by Chan Chen, Aniq Rusyaidi Bin Sulaiman and Seah Kwee Tuang Cervone from Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, National University of Singapore.
Extending the role of the arts in the care environment
Atlas of the Mind forms part of SKH’s broader Arts in Healing programme, through which SKH works with local artists and partners to create welcoming spaces where patients, caregivers, staff and the community can pause, participate and connect through the arts.
“At SKH, we believe healing extends beyond clinical care to include the experiences that support people throughout their care journey. Atlas of The Mind brings the memories and reflections of our community to life, inviting visitors to explore what growth, memory and resilience mean to them. We are grateful to GCA for their partnership and artistic expertise in bringing this shared vision to life,” said Professor Teo Eng Kiong, Chief Executive Officer, SKH.
A partnership connecting arts, technology and communities
GCA curated Atlas of The Mind and partnered SKH in bringing the installation to the Community Heart.
“Atlas of The Mind began with a simple belief: the arts can open doors to reflection, connection and care. As curator and creative producer, GCA is privileged to have worked with SKH, Dr Debbie Ding, and the participants to transform their memories and feelings into an experience that every visitor can enter and help shape. It is especially meaningful to see it take residence at SKH, where patients, caregivers, colleagues and the wider community can come together through art, music and shared experiences. I am also heartened GCA is able to make possible the gifting of Atlas of The Mind to SKH, supported by The Bloom Fund. The Bloom Fund enables meaningful inter-generational connections between seniors and younger communities, a cause that reflects the same spirit we see in this initiative with SKH.” said Mr Lee Suan Hiang, Chairman of GCA & board member of TRCL.
Located at the Community Heart on Level 1 of SKH, Atlas of the Mind is open for everyone to experience and discover throughout the day.
