The COVID-19 pandemic is taking a toll on individuals from all walks of life in Singapore. In the midst of tightening measures and isolation for migrant workers, many of them are experiencing isolation fatigue, a sense of helplessness, heightened fear and anxiety. This severely impacts their emotional well-being and there is a risk of long-lasting psychological effects on their mental health.

A few of us got together and decided to start a campaign for migrant workers to support their emotional well-being. Among us are art psychotherapists and art practitioners, who feel a strong calling to roll up our sleeves to help attenuate the impact of COVID-19.

Art as a universal medium, it bridges the language barrier and provides an avenue for self-expression. The use of art not only taps into imagination to enhance the emotional and psychological well-being of individuals but also gives them a voice. The benefits of art and creativity, as a healing medium of expression and language in challenging times like ours, have been well researched, documented and celebrated throughout human history.

Our Campaign

We have two parts to this campaign, the first is an online presence where we create, through Art, an interconnected space of mutual support between the migrant workers and the general public. The second is to meaningfully engage the migrant workers with art materials (art care packages) and have them share their artworks on the online space.

The art care-pack includes sketchbook, postcards, oil pastel, colour pencil, pencils, markers, eraser, sharpener, stamp and ziplock bag. The cost of each pack is $15.00 inclusive printing. For this fund, we hope to reach out to an estimated 1,000 workers.

Cochrane Lodge Dormitories has about 5,000 workers. The operator will activate his management team to help us distribute the packs, collect the artwork from those who are willing to share and attach the consent form to the artwork. We will collect them from the dormitory when they are ready. This will be an ongoing project therefore no deadline so that there’s no pressure. The workers-recipients of our packs are waiting to be checked for COVID-19. They also feel isolated as they pass each day with fear and uncertainty wondering if they are next to be confirmed for COVID-19. This project will provide them with an opportunity to ventilate and to pen their feelings and thoughts.

We have created  FaceBook page and an Instagram account, where the public’s encouraging words, artworks and appreciation for the migrant workers are now posted.

Join us in this effort, by tagging your artwork with our campaign hashtag #art4SGMW on Instagram and emailing it to art4SGMW@gmail.com to be posted on our Art4SGMW FB page and Instagram account. Draw, paint, doodle, write a poem, just try creating something spontaneously today as expressions of encouragement!

We are also looking for sponsorship for art supplies to be included in the art care package so that we can kick start the second part of the project. The idea is to create a safe and healing space for our foreign workers and the public at large to have some form of interaction/dialogue through art. This can develop beyond attenuating their depression and anxiety and it will also give them a metaphorical platform to express themselves in creative outlets.

Times like this is when art can truly heal wounded souls and minds, allowing us to surpass the current challenges creatively and collectively. It is our sincere hope that with our expertise in art and art therapy, we could contribute to play an active role in healing our nation. May this campaign offer companionship and bring comfort and hope to our migrant workers during this difficult period, especially when they are away from their family and loved ones.

How will the funds be used?

The proceeds of this fundraiser will be received by Ray of Hope for this campaign and the funds will be used to purchase art supplies for our foreign workers in the dormitories and shelters. This can develop beyond attenuating their depression and anxiety and it will also give them a metaphorical platform to express themselves in creative outlets.

Where to get our updates?

For update on the #art4SGMW campaign and calls for resources, follow us on Facebook.

An update for our project 

We had raised $5,200 which will be used to purchase art materials, postage stamps, ziplock bags for 353 pax. The art materials were ordered with Stationery World and waiting for their delivery. 

The art care-pack includes sketchbook, postcards, oil pastel, colour pencil, pencils, markers, eraser, sharpener, stamp and ziplock bag. The total cost of these 353packs is $5,259.17 (est $15.00 per pack inclusive of printing). 

– Once the 353 art care-packs are ready, we will deliver to a small portion of Cochrane Lodge Dormitories at Admiralty (300 packs) and Home’s Shelter (53 packs).

About Ray of Hope

100% of your donations through Ray of Hope goes to people in need. We do not take a cut from the funds. We even cover the 3rd party credit card charges, if you choose not to, that other crowdfunding platforms deduct from your donation for campaigns.

100% of all campaigns are also fully verified, so you know your funds goes to real people with real needs.

We take donor accountability very seriously – with yearly audited accounts and strong governance in place to ensure that your donations is properly channeled to the beneficiaries.

Ray of Hope is a registered charity and a member of the National Council of Social Services.