Walk through Our Tampines Hub this September and you will find art that goes far beyond gallery walls. Shaping Hearts 2025, Singapore’s largest inclusive arts festival organised by the North East CDC, has returned in a big way and this year, it is marking SG60 with over 700 artworks, a landmark fashion showcase, and bold community partnerships.
Art beyond limits at Our Tampines Hub
Launched on 13 September and graced by Minister Indranee Rajah, the festival carries the theme “Art Beyond Limits”. True to its name, Shaping Hearts 2025 reimagines what inclusive art can be. For the first time, original works by artists with disabilities have been transformed into wearable fashion pieces, created in collaboration with students from Temasek Polytechnic’s School of Design.
The results were nothing short of inspiring. Thirteen artists and thirteen student teams worked together to reinterpret paintings, illustrations and mixed media into garments that tell stories of resilience, identity and creativity. The artists themselves took to the runway, walking alongside familiar names such as Iman Fandi, Lee Teng and Tasha Low. The fashion showcase shone a spotlight not only on talent, but also on the lived experiences of persons with disabilities, sending a strong message of inclusion and empowerment.
From the heartlands to the runway
Mayor of North East District, Mr Baey Yam Keng, highlighted how this year’s festival is pushing the boundaries: “We brought inclusive arts into everyday spaces, from wall murals and MRT stations to office spaces, giving our artists more visibility, sparking conversations, and opening new opportunities for them.”
That visibility goes well beyond Our Tampines Hub. Seven public spaces across Singapore have been turned into living galleries, while a 132-metre mural will soon be unveiled at Nexus @ Punggol Digital District during the roving showcase in November. Whether in the heartlands or at a fashion show, the goal is the same- to make art accessible and inclusive for all.
Collective action, community impact
Behind the scenes, Shaping Hearts 2025 is powered by strong partnerships. Neo Group has continued its support through the Neo Kah Kiat Arts Awards, recognising excellence among artists with disabilities. Patron Kiat Lim is backing the Kiat Lim–Shaping Hearts Award, which nurtures artists throughout their creative journeys, while new partner BYD has also joined the effort this year. Singapore Fashion Runway played a mentoring role in staging the inclusive catwalk.
For students like Faye, a final-year design student at Temasek Polytechnic, the collaboration was equally transformative: “It wasn’t just about style; it was about co-creating something meaningful together.”
SG60 through the eyes of artists
This year’s exhibition at Our Tampines Hub also honours Singapore’s 60th year of independence. Visitors can experience SG60 through the personal lens of artists with disabilities, with works reflecting on the nation’s past, present and future. Contributions from ASEAN cities, Jordan and Giza add an international layer, reinforcing Singapore’s role as a hub for inclusive expression.
All artworks are available for purchase, with 100% of proceeds going directly to the artists and social service agencies. For those who cannot make it down to the exhibition, the Shaping Hearts 2025 website offers a digital gallery and e-purchasing options, ensuring anyone can show support regardless of location.
A call to celebrate inclusion
From now until 28 September, Our Tampines Hub is home to this extraordinary celebration of creativity, compassion and community. The roving showcase follows in November at Punggol Digital District.
Whether you are drawn to the runway, the murals or the chance to bring home an artwork, Shaping Hearts 2025 is an invitation to celebrate art without boundaries. It is also a reminder that inclusion is not just an idea, it is something we can all live, wear, and take part in.
For more information and to browse the artworks, visit shapinghearts.cdc.gov.sg
Also read: Majulah Singapura, Tampines! Our Tampines Hub marks SG60 with music, memories and heartland pride
