The Fine Art Department was established in 1938 by a group of enthusiastic artists and educators. The department is always being inspired by the vision that had been set by Mr Lim Hak Tai, the first principal of NAFA, which is:

(a) to integrate the cultures of the different races
(b) to bridge the arts of the East and the West
(c) to promote the scientific spirit and social conscience
(d) to create an art form typical of our tropical nation
(e) to nurture creative talent

Through education, training and research, students in the Fine Art Department will receive knowledge of various art forms and techniques: painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, drawing, research, etc. Students will be able to gain a better understanding of art appreciation and creation, so as to discover their potential and cultivate individual interest for their future career or study plan.

Teaching within the department is with emphasis on the practical and theory as a whole. The practical components consist of direct nature studies, objects studies and workshop or studio-based activities. Formal lectures, where appropriate, is complimented by group tutorials and seminars. Students learn mainly through an educational system which depends on the exploration of individual experience and research studies, which should progress spontaneously through each course. Workshop or studio-based teaching will provide a close contact between tutors and students.

The department has always aimed to achieve academic standards that is matched with high quality teaching and learning. Staffs are encouraged to pursue scholarship and research to enable them to maintain stronger links with their teaching profession.

Over the years, the department has build up strong educational links with renowned universities such as Curtin University and the University of Western Sydney, Australia, Yunnan Art Institute, Zhejiang Art Institute, China, the Societe des Artists Francais, France, Silpakorn University Thailand and Oklahoma City University, USA. Students are encouraged to further their studies under the NAFA-Curtin Training programmes or take up research studies, associateships or fellowships, so as to enrich themselves as well as NAFA resource centre in promoting Singapore Art or Nanyang Art and culture.

The department also attracts foreign students from the region as well as countries worldwide. The department organises study tours to Asian and European countries once every one to two years. Thus students are able to broaden their educational experience and cultural understanding and add a new dimension to the course of study.

We are indeed glad that NAFA graduates engage themselves actively in various endeavours. Many of them play leading roles in their respective creative professions locally and abroad. Hence, we will continue to strive for a better learning environment for the present and future of our Academy.