Beneath this striking architecture lies a vibrant history. Welcome to LASALLE College of the Arts.
LASALLE began with a vision. Brother Joseph McNally, a De La Salle educator, founded LASALLE in 1984. He believed in the power of art. Initially known as St Patrick’s Arts Centre, it started small. Just 27 students were enrolled. They studied painting, ceramics, sculpture and music.
Brother McNally tirelessly sought funding. In 1993, Singapore Airlines contributed significantly. The college was renamed Lasalle-SIA College of the Arts. Other contributors included the Khoo, Lee, Shaw and Hong Leong Foundations.
The Singapore government recognized LASALLE’s importance. In 1995, they began providing financial support. Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong acknowledged LASALLE’s role. He noted its importance in developing artists and audiences.
LASALLE continued to evolve. In 2010, it launched the MA Asian Art Histories program. It was the first of its kind worldwide. In 2012, LASALLE partnered with Goldsmiths, University of London. This partnership introduced 14 publicly-funded undergraduate arts degree programs.
LASALLE moved to its current city campus in 2007. It was rebranded as LASALLE College of the Arts. The Winstedt Campus opened in 2013. It provided additional studio and workshop space.
The McNally Campus is in the Rochor area. This area is part of Singapore’s Arts, Culture, Learning and Entertainment hub. The campus boasts 1,500 square meters of art exhibition space. It also features the region’s first Theatre and Art Production Workshop.
The Winstedt Campus is near Newton. It caters to students in studio-based modules. Visual arts students develop their projects here.
LASALLE offers diverse programs. Eight schools cover various art and design disciplines. These include Fine Arts, Design Communication and Fashion. You can also study Music, Dance and Theatre here.
LASALLE’s degrees are validated by Goldsmiths, University of London. This partnership ensures international recognition. Many leaders in Singapore’s arts scene have links to LASALLE. Alan Oei and Eugene Tan are among them.
LASALLE’s campus itself is a work of art. RSP Architects designed the McNally campus. It represented Singapore at the Venice Biennale in 2004. The campus design resembles lava flowing through a valley. Glass facets adorn the inside. Stone and aluminum clad the exterior. Sky bridges connect the buildings.
LASALLE has a wide array of facilities. These include computer labs, classrooms and lecture theaters. There are also specialized spaces for different disciplines. Dance studios and the Theatre and Art Production Workshop enhance the learning experience.
LASALLE nurtures future creative leaders. Its graduates have achieved international recognition. They contribute significantly to Singapore’s creative industries. The college fosters a nurturing and interdisciplinary environment. It encourages students to become forward-looking and globally engaged.
LASALLE isn’t just a college. It is a landmark. It is a testament to Singapore’s commitment to the arts. Its innovative programs and stunning campus inspire creativity. It shapes the future of art and design.