Visual Arts Centre provides professional art courses suitable for art learners of all ages and experiences. Art courses include Drawing and Sketching, Acrylic Painting, Watercolour Painting, Chinese Ink Painting, Creative Kids Art Immersion Course, Private Art Classes and Portfolio Preparation Art Course, Nude Life Drawing, Portrait Drawing course and others.
Acrylic Painting on Canvas Team Bonding Art Jamming Singapore Visual Arts Centre
Acrylic Painting on Canvas Team Bonding Art Jamming Singapore Visual Arts Centre
Batik Handkerchief Painting Team Bonding Art Jamming Singapore Visual Arts Centre
Batik Handkerchief Painting Team Bonding Art Jamming Singapore Visual Arts Centre
Chinese Ink Painting and Calligraphy Team Bonding Art Jamming Singapore Visual Arts Centre
Chinese Ink Painting and Calligraphy Team Bonding Art Jamming Singapore Visual Arts Centre
Graffiti Spray Painting on Canvas Team Bonding Art Jamming Singapore Visual Arts Centre
Graffiti Spray Painting on Canvas Team Bonding Art Jamming Singapore Visual Arts Centre
Outdoor Urban Landscape Sketching Team Bonding Art Jamming Singapore Visual Arts Centre.
Outdoor Urban Landscape Sketching Team Bonding Art Jamming Singapore Visual Arts Centre.
Art Workshops & Events
Visual Arts Centre offers regular themed art workshops as well as our most popular Team Bonding Art Jamming, Family Day Bonding Art Workshops and various customised creative workshops and art events throughout the year.
Acrylic Painting on Canvas Team Bonding Art Jamming Singapore Visual Arts Centre
Chinatown Studio & Gallery
Venue Hire
The Exhibition Gallery is a modern glasshouse exhibition gallery space for hire of 190square metres at Dhoby Ghaut Green, centrally located in Singapore.
Chinatown Art Gallery & Studio is 1000 sqft space brightly lit and fully equipped space for hire for meetings, workshops and various functions and gatherings.
Navigating the DSA-SOTA & DSA-MOE Visual Arts admission process in Singapore can be complex, with each school setting its own expectations and standards. This complete guide breaks down the key visual arts portfolio requirements for both DSA-SOTA and DSA-MOE applications, giving you a clear understanding of what schools are really looking for, from artwork selection and structure to process work and interview readiness. Whether you are just starting or refining your visual arts portfolio, this guide will help you build a submission that stands out.
Core DSA-SOTA & DSA-MOE Visual Arts Portfolio Requirements
All students applying for DSA-SOTA & DSA-MOE Visual Arts must submit a visualarts portfolio showcasing their talent, potential and passion for art, which demonstrates their technical skills, creativity and originality, and ability to communicate ideas visually. Students will also be required to attend interviews and/or art tests during their application, depending on the school’s requirements.
Portfolio Preparation – Our Visual Arts Centre DSA (Kids) Portfolio student showcasing his artwork
A strong DSA-SOTA & DSA-MOE Visual Arts portfolio must show:
Strong drawing foundation
Creative thinking & originality
Variety of mediums
Clear personal style
Evidence of process & development
Ability to explain your work
DSA-SOTA & DSA-MOE Portfolio Content Requirements
A well-prepared DSA-SOTA & DSA-MOE visual arts portfolio should include the following key components, aligned with both SOTA and MOE expectations.
1. Number of Artworks required in DSA-SOTA & DSA-MOE Visual Arts Portfolio
Usually a minimum of 5 – 10 artworks showing 2 – 3 years of art development
Some schools may expect:
3 – 5 physical artworks for the interview
6 – 10+ artworks in a full portfolio submission
Portfolio Preparation – Our Visual Arts Centre DSA (Kids) Portfolio student working on her pencil drawing
2. Types of Artworks
Observational Drawings
Observational drawings, such as Still Life Drawings, Landscape Drawings, and Figure Drawings, are essential in visual art portfolios, as they showcase the student’s understanding of proportion, perspective, light and shadow, and accurate observation
Creative / Imaginative Artworks
Artworks covering personal themes, such as memories, culture or identity, conceptual storytelling, and original ideas are also great to add to your visual art portfolio. Schools look out for the creativity and imagination of students, and the meanings behind their artworks.
Variety of Mediums
Students must show range and versatility in the mediums they use, such as Pencil Drawing, Acrylic Painting, Watercolour Painting, Digital Art, Mixed Media, etc.
Personal / Expressive Artworks
Students can also show their identity, individuality and personality through their artworks via a self-portrait or an emotional expression piece.
3. Process Work
Many schools value the sketches, drafts, development process, and idea exploration of your artworks. These processes showcase your thinking ability, your artistic growth over time, and your problem-solving skills.
Portfolio Preparation – Our Visual Arts Centre DSA (Kids) Portfolio student preparing their still-life painting
4. Thematic / Cohesive Direction
A student’s visual art portfolio should not be a random mix of scattered works. Instead, their visual arts portfolio should be cohesive and show a theme, artistic direction, or personal journey that they want to showcase to the schools.
Portfolio Preparation – Our Visual Arts Centre DSA (Kids) Portfolio student working on her acrylic landscape painting
DSA-SOTA & DSA-MOE Visual Arts Portfolio Presentation Requirements
Your visual arts portfolio should be clearly organized and professionally presented to ensure your work is easy to understand and assess.
1. Artwork Labelling
Each of the students’ artwork in their visual arts portfolio should include the title, size and date of their art piece, the medium that they used, and a short description of what they created.
2. Visual Arts Portfolio Format
Depending on the school they want to apply to, students may be asked to present their visual arts portfolio in a physical format, either in a folder or mounted up, a digital PDF version, or an email submission for some schools.
3. Quality & Organisation
The student’s visual arts portfolio must show a clear layout, clean presentation, logical sequencing of their artworks, and display a strong first impression to the schools of their choice.
Portfolio Preparation – Our student working on her creative manga drawing
Additional Supporting Documents for DSA-SOTA & DSA-MOE Visual Arts application
In addition to the student’s visual arts portfolio, many schools require additional materials such as the student’s art achievements, certificates, school testimonial or referral letter, or records of participation in art activities.
Key Skills Schools Are Assessing
Technical Skills
Drawing accuracy
Composition
Colour understanding
Medium control
Creativity
Original ideas
Imagination
Concept development
Artistic Growth
Progress over time
Experimentation
Thinking Ability
Ability to explain work
Process & reflection
Interview & Selection Requirements for DSA-SOTA & DSA-MOE Visual Arts Applications
During the DSA-SOTA & DSA-MOE Visual Arts Application, most students will go through
Portfolio Preparation – Our student completing her still-life acrylic painting
1. Visual Arts Portfolio Interview
Students may be asked the following:
Explain your artwork
What inspired you to create the artwork
Your creative process when creating the artwork
Your favourite artwork and why
Why do you want to join the school of your choice
2. Art Test / Audition
Possible tasks:
Live drawing (still life / theme-based)
Creative task within time limit
Problem-solving artwork
Visual Arts Centre provides a free consultation on DSA Visual Arts (DSA-SOTA and DSA-MOE) Art Portfolio Preparation for parents of kids who want to understand how to prepare a DSA portfolio for their child’s school enrolment. We provide a service where we can help you to understand what is required of a portfolio preparation – from artworks to submission dates, as well as interview practices.
Do schedule a consultation on DSA Visual Arts (DSA-SOTA and DSA-MOE) Art Portfolio Preparation with us asap as it takes time to create an art portfolio.
For more information, feel free to contact us at 6255 0711 / 6733 2155, or email us at [email protected].
Success stories from our student enrolled in the DSA Portfolio Preparation Course
20B Mosque Street, Singapore (059500) *2 minutes walk from Chinatown MRT Station Exit A
Take a left turn upon exiting the Chinatown MRT Station Exit A (Pagoda Street). Turn right to go to Mosque Street. Finally, walk towards 20B, we’re on the 3rd floor of the shophouse.
Embark on a captivating journey into the vibrant world of digital art! Our Foundation in Digital Art workshop invites budding creatives aged nine and above to unleash their imagination and hone their artistic skills in a dynamic, supportive environment. From mastering basic digital tools to crafting mesmerizing digital masterpieces, children will explore a spectrum of techniques guided by seasoned mentors. Through hands-on activities and interactive sessions, participants will discover the endless possibilities of digital expression while fostering creativity and critical thinking. Join us for an exhilarating adventure where young artists transform ideas into stunning visual realities, igniting a passion for digital art
Colour & Texture Exploration With Acrylic Painting & Collage
Prepare to unleash your inner artist in a kaleidoscope of color and creativity with ‘Colour Blast: Acrylic Painting & Collage Techniques’! Dive into a whirlwind adventure where vibrant hues and mesmerizing textures collide in a symphony of imagination. From mastering the art of seamless color blending to discovering the magic of mixed media collage, this journey is a playground for your artistic soul. With each brushstroke, explore new techniques that breathe life into your canvas, transforming it into a vibrant tapestry of expression. Join us and let your creativity run wild as you embark on this colorful escapade!”
World of Manga [Foundation & Styling]
A manga art workshop for children and teenagers sounds like a fantastic idea! Here’s how you might structure it:
Introduction to Manga: Begin by introducing what manga is, its history, and its influence on popular culture worldwide. Show examples of different manga styles and genres to give participants an overview.
Basic Drawing Techniques: Start with the fundamentals of drawing, such as line work, shapes, and proportions. Provide step-by-step instructions on how to draw basic manga characters, focusing on simple shapes that can be built upon.
Character Design: Move on to character design concepts, including creating unique characters, designing their personalities, and developing backstories. Encourage participants to get creative and think outside the box.
Expression and Emotion: Teach how to convey emotions and expressions through facial expressions, body language, and positioning of characters. This can be a fun and interactive exercise where participants practice drawing various emotions.
Storytelling and Paneling: Explore the basics of storytelling in manga, including paneling techniques, pacing, and layout. Show examples of different panel structures and discuss how they affect the flow of the story.
Inking and Coloring: Introduce participants to inking techniques using pens or markers. You can also cover digital inking for those interested. Then, demonstrate basic coloring techniques using markers, colored pencils, or digital software.
Feedback and Collaboration: Provide opportunities for participants to share their work and receive feedback from their peers and instructors. Encourage collaboration by having them work together on short manga projects or collaborative drawings.
Final Showcase: End the workshop with a showcase of participants’ work. This could be in the form of an exhibition, digital gallery, or printed booklet. Celebrate everyone’s creativity and progress throughout the workshop.
Remember to create a supportive and encouraging environment where participants feel free to express themselves and explore their creativity. And don’t forget to have fun! Manga is all about imagination and passion, so let that spirit shine through in your workshop.
Academy Drawing Traditions
The academy drawing and sketching tradition, rooted in centuries of artistic practice, emphasizes disciplined study of form, proportion, and technique. Originating from Renaissance workshops and formalized by institutions like the Royal Academy, it prioritizes meticulous observation and mastery of fundamental skills. Students progress from basic exercises to complex compositions, learning to depict still life and common objects with precision and expression. This tradition values both classical principles and innovation, encouraging artists to push boundaries while maintaining a deep respect for tradition. Through rigorous training and critique, artists within this tradition cultivate a strong foundation for creative exploration and artistic excellence.
Chinese Ink Painting and Calligraphy
This course on Chinese ink painting and calligraphy introduces young learners to the rich traditions of Chinese art. Through hands-on activities, students explore the basics of brush techniques, ink control, and the delicate art of Chinese script. They learn to appreciate the cultural significance of calligraphy and painting, developing skills in creating elegant strokes and expressive brushwork. The course fosters creativity, patience, and fine motor skills, while also providing insights into Chinese history and aesthetics. By the end, children gain confidence in their artistic abilities and a deeper understanding of Chinese cultural heritage.
Funk with Graffiti
Funk With Graffiti Workshop for children is an engaging and creative program aimed at introducing young artists to the vibrant world of graffiti and funk-inspired street style art. Participants learn the basics of graffiti history, techniques, and safety. Guided by professional graffiti artists, children explore the art of designing their unique tags, emphasizing creativity, expression, and individuality. The workshop includes hands-on activities, from sketching concepts to creating final designs with spray paint on provided surfaces. By the end of the session, children gain confidence in their artistic abilities and an appreciation for graffiti and funk as legitimate forms of street art. Each child completes two original artworks, which they proudly take home, showcasing their newfound skills and personal style.
Batik Tales
In the Batik Introduction Handkerchief Painting workshop, participants will learn the traditional art of batik, a wax-resist dyeing technique originating from Indonesia. The workshop begins with a brief history and overview of batik, highlighting its cultural significance and various techniques. Participants will then observe a demonstration of applying wax with tjanting tools and dyeing the fabric. Following the demonstration, each participant will design and create their own batik handkerchief, applying wax to create patterns and then dyeing their fabric. The workshop concludes with a group discussion, allowing participants to share their creations and reflect on their learning experience.
VAC Art Studio – Rules & Terms:
To ensure a pleasant, safe, and enjoyable learning experience
for everyone, all students are kindly requested to read and
follow the following terms and studio rules.
Payment & Refund Policy
Full payment is required upon enrolment. All purchased
art courses, workshops, and lessons are non-refundable.
Course Validity
All courses and workshops are subject to a stated
validity period, which begins from the commencement
date of the first lesson. Unused sessions cannot be
carried forward beyond the expiry date.
Validity Extension
Extensions may be granted only for medical or travel
reasons, subject to submission of a valid medical
certificate (MC) or travel itinerary. The extension
must be formally communicated to the studio via
WhatsApp or email before the course expiry date.
Up to 1 month for courses with 12 sessions or fewer.
Up to 2 months for courses with more than 12 sessions.
Requests submitted after the course expiry date will
not be accepted. Expired and unused sessions without
an approved extension will be forfeited.
Replacement of Attendee
If the original attendee is unable to attend, a
replacement attendee may be arranged, subject to
prior formal notification to the studio via email.
Course Cancellation or Rescheduling
Visual Arts Centre reserves the right to cancel,
reschedule, or postpone any course or session,
with or without prior notice. If a course cannot
proceed due to unforeseen circumstances, a full
refund of the fees paid will be provided.
Liability & Personal Belongings
Students and their guardians acknowledge that
Visual Arts Centre, its staff, and third-party
service providers shall not be held liable for any
personal injuries, losses, or damages to personal
belongings or property arising from activities
within the premises, to the extent permitted by law.
Communication & Consent
By registering for and purchasing a course,
workshop, or lesson, students or their guardians
acknowledge and agree to these terms and conditions.
They also consent to being contacted by VAC regarding
course updates and relevant communications.
Labelling Your Artwork
Students are kindly required to write their full name
and course start date on all their artwork. This helps
the studio identify and organise in-progress artworks.
Artwork Safekeeping
In-progress artworks may be kept at the studio until
they are completed and ready to be brought home.
However, Visual Arts Centre will not be responsible
for any lost or damaged artwork.
Extended Absence
Students who plan to be away for more than one month
are required to bring their in-progress or completed
artwork home for safekeeping. Artwork should be
brought back when they resume their art classes.
Studio Materials & Equipment
Students are not permitted to take home or borrow
any of the studio's art materials, reference images,
equipment, or tools. These items are provided for
use within the studio and must remain on the premises.
Maintain a Respectful Learning Environment
Students are expected to maintain a quiet and
respectful environment during art lessons.
Please refrain from unnecessary conversations
or disruptive behaviour that may affect other
students' learning experiences.
Communicate with Our Teachers
Students are encouraged to discuss any questions,
difficulties, or concerns with their teachers or
studio staff during the lesson or immediately
afterwards. Our team will do their best to provide
assistance and prevent any misunderstandings
or miscommunication.
Respect the Studio & Others
All students are expected to respect the studio
environment, shared facilities, teachers, staff,
and fellow students to ensure an enjoyable
learning experience for everyone.