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.
Acrylic Painting on Canvas 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
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.
Acrylic Painting on Canvas 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
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.
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.
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.
Agree Terms & Conditions
Terms & Conditions – Neon Glow Art Jamming & Colour Blast Party (Saturday Sessions Only)
Participation
Participation in the Neon Glow Art Jamming & Colour Blast Party is voluntary. By participating, all participants acknowledge that they understand and accept the nature of the activities and agree to participate at their own risk.
Health & Safety
The event takes place in an outdoor festival environment featuring bright lighting effects, flashing lights, amplified music, and high sound levels, which may not be suitable for individuals who are sensitive to light, sound, or have related medical conditions.
Participants are responsible for ensuring that they are medically fit to participate in the activities.
Colour Blast Party
The Colour Blast Party uses coloured cornflour powder.
By participating in the Colour Blast Party, participants confirm that they:
Do not have any known allergy or sensitivity to cornflour, corn, coloured powder, or similar materials.
Do not suffer from asthma, respiratory conditions, or any medical condition that may be aggravated by airborne powder.
Understand the nature of the activity and voluntarily choose to participate.
Face & Body Painting
Optional face and/or body painting may be available during the event.
Participants choosing to receive face or body painting confirm that they have no known allergies or skin conditions that may be affected by cosmetic or body paint products. Participants with sensitive skin are advised to refrain from participating.
Assumption of Risk
Participants acknowledge that participation in the event, including but not limited to art jamming, the Colour Blast Party, face and/or body painting, and related activities, carries inherent risks, including accidental slips, falls, minor injuries, allergic reactions, respiratory irritation, or other unforeseen incidents.
Indemnity and Release
By participating in the event, participants agree, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to release, discharge, and indemnify Visual Arts Centre, CHIJMES, their respective officers, employees, volunteers, contractors, sponsors, partners, and representatives from any and all claims, demands, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, expenses, injuries, or actions arising out of or in connection with participation in the event, except where such claims arise directly from the negligence or wilful misconduct of the organisers.
Personal Responsibility
Participants are responsible for their own personal belongings and should exercise reasonable care while participating. Appropriate clothing and footwear suitable for an outdoor event are recommended.
Organiser's Rights
Visual Arts Centre and CHIJMES reserve the right to refuse participation or remove any participant whose behaviour is deemed unsafe, disruptive, or poses a risk to others. The organisers also reserve the right to modify, postpone, suspend, or cancel the event due to weather, safety concerns, or unforeseen circumstances.
Agree Terms & Conditions
Terms & Conditions For All Course/Workshop(s) at Visual Arts Centre (VAC):
No refunds are provided for any course/workshop/lesson purchased. The course/workshop/lesson requires full payment for enrolment.
The classes/sessions for the stated course is/are valid only within the stated validity period, which begins from the commencement of the first class and no further extension is provided.
Extension for course validity may be provided for medical/travel reasons with the provided MC/travel itinerary for up to one month for twelve sessions and below, and up to two months only for above twelve sessions.
Visual Arts Centre reserves the right to cancel/reschedule/postpone any course/session with or without prior notice. If the course cannot proceed due to unforeseen circumstances, a full refund of the fees will be provided.
The registrant/guardian of the registrant agrees to indemnify and shall not hold Visual Arts Centre and its staff or third-party staff/service providers liable for any losses/injury sustained from any activity within the premises of Visual Arts Centre, including personal injury/loss or damages to property.
With the registration and purchase of the course/workshop/lesson, I acknowledge and agree to the terms and conditions stated. I allow VAC to contact me/my parents/guardian for any updates.