I founded the Commute Sketchers Facebook group some time ago to bring together individuals passionate about commuter sketching. Recently, I reached out to local transit companies, SMRT and SBS, with the idea of showcasing our work. Both companies expressed interest, with SBS Transit taking the lead in this trial run. We successfully displayed our sketches in Bedok, Bishan, Boon Lay, and Clementi Bus interchange. Currently, we're awaiting approval from LTA for the exhibition of our work in the MRT stations along their downtown line.
Commute Sketchers at Bishan Bus Interchange
The media took this news well and we were featured on all the major newspapers in Singapore.
We were in The Straits Time. Zao Bao, The New Paper and even Channel News Asia
Chee Chew's take on our sketches :P
Encountering various challenges in integrating commute sketches into the transit system, here are some hurdles I navigated:
1) Territory Issues:
Art in Singapore's MRT stations is commissioned and selected by a committee under the governance of LTA. The process involves selecting artists to create station art. This territorial nature posed a challenge in gaining access for our sketches.
Art in Transit - An Art Commission by the LTA in our MRT Stations.
2) Bureaucratic Red Tape:
Navigating bureaucratic hurdles proved challenging, as some transit company staff voiced concerns about privacy and potential influences. They were apprehensive that showcasing our sketches might imply endorsement of a less secure environment. Additionally, there were worries that featuring our work could open the floodgates for similar requests, making it difficult for them to justify such visibility. It's important to note that these concerns were raised despite reaching out directly to the CEOs, who typically instructed their teams to explore such possibilities. To address privacy concerns, it was emphasized that the extensive security infrastructure, including CCTV cameras and commuters' smartphones, far outweighed any potential privacy issues associated with our sketches.
3) Artistic Freedom vs. Corporate Direction:
One company struggled to grasp the concept of showcasing genuine commute sketches and suggested depicting themes aligned with their company's culture and values. This raised a paradox, as our sketches authentically represented their offerings.
4) Financial Considerations:
Our group, comprising friends passionate about sharing their work, initially didn't expect monetary compensation unless commissioned for tailored projects. Making money from art proved challenging, reflecting the broader struggle in the art world.
5) Group Coordination:
Coordinating a group can be challenging, but our responsive and cooperative group members made the process smooth. Transparency was key, and the founding members—Alvin Mark, Francis Theo, Benedict Tay, James Tan, James Lim, Pocholo Issa Estremos, and Ken Lee—played crucial roles
I extend my congratulations to everyone involved and express gratitude to SBS Transit Limited for partnering with us. To join our community, visit our Facebook group at Commute Sketchers. Let's continue celebrating the art of commuting together!
To join us ? Visit our facebook group at
https://www.facebook.com/groups/commutesketchers/
The commute sketchers !
https://www.facebook.com/groups/commutesketchers/